High Climbs, Higher Standards: NPR Spotlights XKIG at the Tree Rodeo 

The work of utility arborists rarely makes headlines—but this month, it did. National Public Radio (NPR) shone a spotlight on the challenging, high-skill world of vegetation management during a recent Tree Rodeo event in northern New York. 

In the story, reported by Amy Feiereisel for North Country Public Radio, listeners were transported to the woods outside Watertown, where crews from across the region gathered to test their climbing, rigging, and safety skills in a friendly yet demanding competition. 

“In shady, old-growth woods just outside Watertown, New York, a crowd is watching an arborist in full climbing gear,” Feiereisel reported. “He’s swinging around a massive 90-foot tree, racing to hit cowbells scattered throughout the tree’s canopy.” 

Led by Team Captain Jeremy Zabawa, our crew—Tanner Beicke, Will Prible, Jared George, and Rodney Boberg—represented Tree Care of New York / Xylem with incredible skill and teamwork, earning 2nd Place Overall and top finishes in several events. 

A Celebration of Safety, Skill, and Brotherhood 

The Tree Rodeo, organized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 1249, with support from National Grid and industry sponsors like XKIG, provided families and the public with a unique glimpse into the skill and professionalism involved in tree work. Events such as speed climbing, tree felling, and aerial rescue simulations showcased the technical expertise needed to keep power infrastructure safe and reliable. 

One event—aptly named Pandemonium—simulated rescuing an injured climber using a 160-pound dummy known as “Jimmy.” The high-intensity scenario tested communication, precision, and emergency response under pressure. 

“We have a really, really, really high level of serious injury and death from a human error,” James Wendt, National Training Coordinator for XKIG, told NPR. “Because it’s such a controlled environment, we can set up very difficult problems and let them work their way through these very difficult problems, and that has direct application to what they’re doing at work.” 

XKIG’s Role in Advancing Arborist Training 

XKIG proudly supported the event as part of its commitment to safety innovation, workforce development, and industry excellence across its family of companies—Xylem Tree Experts, Kendall Vegetation Services, and River City Construction.