Assessor Resource

AHCARB303A
Implement a tree pruning program

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to an arborists engaged in implementing a tree pruning program.

This unit covers the process of implementing a tree pruning program and defines the standard required to conduct tree inspections, implement pruning to AS4373-2007 pruning of amenity trees as required, assess and rectify pruning quality and record work activities.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

conduct tree inspections

implement pruning to AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

assess and rectify pruning quality

record work activities in enterprise forms.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

recognise common diseases, pests and nutrition deficiencies in trees

select and inspect appropriate equipment

operate chainsaws and pole saws

sharpen and maintain tools required for pruning

implement pruning techniques to AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees

conduct operations in such a way that no damage occurs to equipment, property, environment, trees or personnel

aerial rescue techniques

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

identification of tree species and their pruning requirements

tree pruning techniques appropriate to the pruning requirements of the species

principles and methods of pruning

effect of pruning on tree growth and habit

tree morphology and physiology

Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees (CODIT) principles

implications of pruning cuts and the way trees respond

climbing or elevated work platform operations

capability of lifting and lowering equipment

awareness of powerline clearances

chainsaw and polesaw techniques

relevant legislation that may impact on a tree pruning program

local government tree protection and preservation regulations

AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

relevant Code of Practice.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Pruning techniques may include:

cleaning out

crown lifting

crown reduction

structural integrity

crown renewal

crown thinning

dead wooding

hedging

branch

epicormic and green shoot removal.

Programs activities may include:

site inspection details

special instructions and/or conditions

OHS risks and controls

environmental considerations

pruning methods and techniques

tools, equipment and machinery requirements

access and exit details

personnel requirements

waste, organic waste and debris disposal

recycling and re-use opportunities.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Trees are visually inspected and all branches to be removed are identified according to the pruning requirements of the program. 
Removal stages are nominated to ensure the program is undertaken without unnecessary damage to the trees. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented. 
Pruning tools and equipment are selected and prepared according to the extent of the pruning program. 
Climbing equipment and machinery is selected, checked for damage or imperfections and prepared according to documented low risk work procedures and manufacturers specifications. 
Identification and establishment of work exclusion zone is implemented. 
Climbing equipment and machinery is operated according to documented low risk work procedures and manufacturers' specifications. 
Pruning cuts are implemented according to established pruning techniques and AS4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees as required. 
Program is implemented in such a way that no damage occurs to equipment, property or personnel. 
Site environmental concerns are adhered to in accordance with relevant legislation and/or regulations. 
Waste material is mechanically processed according to documented guidelines and manufacturers' specifications. 
Site is cleared and cleaned according to documented guidelines. 
Trees selected for the pruning program are visually checked to ensure that the appropriate trees have been pruned to specifications. 
Stub length and pruned height are checked to ensure that they meet the pruning requirements of the program and AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees. 
Any incorrect pruning is rectified to ensure the tree is able to sustain its growth, natural habit and form. 
Completed program of pruning is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB303A - Implement a tree pruning program
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB303A - Implement a tree pruning program

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: