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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine tree survey program requirements
  2. Determine the tree dimensions and structure
  3. Record tree taxonomic features
  4. Assess tree health issues
  5. Assess age of trees and tree parts
  6. Assess trees for significance
  7. Assess amenity value of trees
  8. Inspect and assess trees
  9. Carry out risk assessment
  10. Compile a tree assessment report

Range Statement


Performance Evidence

The candidate must be observed inspecting and assessing a broad range of trees for identification, health, growth habit, structure, stability and indications of disease. The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:

identifying the scope of survey

determining the client’s risk threshold

documentation of the data capture procedures

identifying, sourcing and recording all current data research relevant to survey requirements

checking equipment for assessing trees and prepare for use

selecting, checking and using personal protective equipment

plotting tree locations on a device, drawing or plan of the site

determining the tree dimensions and structure

measuring the tree height, spread and diameter-at-breast height (DBH)

examining and recording form of tree

assessing tree for asymmetry of canopy

assessing if tree has a lean and calculate the lean

assessing how form of crown relates to or is responsive to surrounding trees and structures

determining the potential impact of wind loading of the tree

inspecting tree and record fruit type and characteristics

describing leaf morphology for shape, colour and size

examining and recording buds, branchlets, branches and bark

inspecting for and describing trichomes on lamina, petiole and branchlets

describing and recording floral characteristics of structure of inflorescence, location of the flower, flower colour, details of the flower parts present, absent or modified

examining and record the canopy density and distribution

assessing recorded leaf colour and size against a healthy specimen

assessing for the presence of epicormic shoots

assessing for dead tips or excessive numbers of dead branches

examining roots, root crown, stem, branches and canopy for signs of biotic and abiotic disease

evaluating and describing symptoms presenting on tree

determining how presence of disease might be affecting tree

recognising and recording wounds to the tree

considering size, location and cause of wounds

determining if species is uninodal or multimodal

recording the dimensions of the tree

examining tree for evidence of growth increments including bud scars, sympodial growth and flush marks

estimating average annual increase in diameter of sample of xylem stained as required

researching historic images of tree or trees of same species in similar environments

providing a reasoned estimate of age of tree, tree part or wound

assessing tree for indicators of habitat use

assessing tree for ecological significance

assessing tree for cultural significance

assessing tree for historical significance

evaluating various amenity tree valuation methods

considering strengths and weaknesses of each method

determining amenity tree valuation method to be used

collecting and collating appropriate unit values and data

calculating and recording the amenity value of individual trees

assessing trees to determine their structure and stability

consideration of the tree's age, condition, habitat, wind loading, distribution of foliage, wound size and the potential impacts of proposed recommendations

using testing equipment to detect decay, disease and scope of tree problems

evaluating visual indications of disease and health issues in trees

use of visual tree assessment (VTA) method to identify hazards

use of basic diagnostic tools to confirm the presence and extent of hazards

determining level of risk

giving consideration to qualification and quantification of tree risk

comparing the risk level against commonly published levels of risk from non-arboricultural activities and items

determining controls required to mitigate risks in accordance with the client’s pre-determined threshold

documenting risk controls and recommendations for monitoring and review of risks

documenting diagnoses of tree problems with reference to the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the tree

recording specific recommendations for remedial action for tree problems

producing a tree assessment report that identifies a hazardous tree and contains recommendations for appropriate remedial actions and risk controls

preparing an expert witness statement

use of industry standard terminology to describe arboriculture and the work environment.


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

risk thresholds

data capture procedures

survey requirements

tree assessment equipment

plotting methods on devices, drawings and plans

tree morphology attributes: fruit type and characteristics, leaf morphology for shape, colour and size, trichomes on lamina, petiole and branchlets, floral characteristics of structure of inflorescence, location of the flower, flower colour, details of the flower parts present, absent or modified, buds, branchlets, branches and bark

canopy density and distribution

comparison of leaf colour and size against a healthy specimen

epicormic shoots

examination of roots, root crown, stem, branches and canopy for signs of biotic and abiotic disease

disease symptoms

affect of disease on tree

tree dimensions and structure

tree height, spread and diameter-at-breast height (DBH)

form and morphology of tree

symmetry and asymmetry of canopy

calculation of tree lean

relationship of form of crown to surrounding trees and structures

responsiveness of form of crown to surrounding trees and structures

determination the potential impact of wind loading of the tree

tree wound recognition, size, location and cause

uninodal and multimodal tree species

growth increments including bud scars, sympodial growth and flush marks

estimation average annual increase in tree diameter

xylem staining

research of historic images of tree or trees of same species in similar environments

assessment of tree indicators of habitat use

assessment of tree ecological significance

assessment of tree cultural significance

assessment of tree historical significance

evaluation of methods of amenity tree valuation

calculation of amenity tree value of individual trees

tree structure and stability

tree assessment attributes: tree's identification, age, health, condition, habitat, wind loading, distribution of foliage, wound size and the potential impacts of proposed recommendations

testing equipment to detect decay, disease and scope of tree problems

visual indications and symptoms of disease and health issues

tree diseases

visual tree assessment (VTA)

methods of detecting decay and structural defects in trees

causes of instability, decay, damage and stress in trees

use of basic diagnostic tools

identification and extent of tree hazards

methods of determination of levels of risk

quantification and qualification of tree risk

commonly published levels of risk from non-arboricultural activities and items

controls required to mitigate risks in accordance with the client’s pre-determined threshold

diagnoses of tree problems

tree anatomy, physiology and pathology

remedial action of tree problems

production of a tree assessment report that identifies hazardous trees, recommends appropriate remedial action, and determines appropriate risk controls

preparation of an expert witness statement.