MSA Tree Climbing Championship & ​Festival of Trees​

AUGSBURG PARK  //  RICHFIELD, MN
MAY 1-3, 2026

2026 Results

​About TCC


​TCC simulates working conditions of arborists in the field. Competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds to qualify for the championship. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner.

Preliminary Qualifying Events
Competitors are scored individually in each event–Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. The competitor with the highest score is the winner of that event. First, second, and third place for men and women are awarded for each event.

Competitors’ total scores for all five events are combined and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge Championship.

Masters’ Challenge
The Masters’ Challenge consists of one event and competitors are scored on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female Minnesota Champions and have the opportunity to represent MSA at the International Tree Climbing Championship taking place in St. Louis, Missouri in October 2026.

About the Festival Of Trees

 The Festival of Trees is a free, public event that takes place on Saturday and features many tree and park-related activities, a fun-climb, food vendors and more.  Held in conjunction with the MN TCC, it’s a fun-filled event for all to enjoy!   Find out more here.

​2026 Schedule​

Schedule of events is subject to change.  ​

Thursday, April 30
All Day  |  TCC Event Setup Day – Select TCC Volunteers​
​
Friday, May 1
All Day  |  TCC Event Set Up & Meetings – TCC Judges and Techs
​3:00 – 8:00 PM  |  ​​Mandatory TCC Competitor Check In & Gear Check Meeting

Saturday, May 2 
6:00 AM  |  Competitor & Volunteer Check-in  
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM  |  Preliminary Events
​10:00 AM – 3:00 PM  |  FESTIVAL OF TREES  ​
​5:00 PM |  TCC Awards & Celebration Dinner (free for TCC climbers & volunteers. Guest tickets available for purchase)

Sunday, May 3*
7:00 AM  |  TCC Masters’ Challenge Volunteer Check-in
8:00 AM  |  TCC Masters’ Challenge Competitor Check-in
9:00 AM  |  TCC Masters’ Challenge Competition

Times subject to change. *Masters’ Challenge start times will depend on results from Saturday.

Thanks to our 2026 TCC Sponsors & Contributors!