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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for pruning
   • Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.
   • Determine existing and potential site hazards and assess associated risks in line with organisational procedures.
   • Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness.
2. Select and prune trees
   • Identify and select trees for pruning in line with work order.
   • Use ladder handling and pruning techniques in line with organisational safety procedures.
   • Prune trees; remove branches, epicormics and green shoots to meet quality requirements.
3. Assess pruning quality
   • Assess pruned trees visually to ensure pruning quality and pruned stock level is in line with work order.
   • Rectify incorrect pruning to ensure quality of grown trees.
   • Dispose of pruned material in line with environmental protection practices.
   • Record and report pruning process and equipment faults to appropriate personnel.

Range Statement

Not Applicable

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Performance Evidence

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

complete pruning jobs in line with an individual work order for each prescribing different quantities and species of trees to be pruned, utilising the following equipment:

pruners

jacksaw

pouch

steps

epicormic remover

pole saw

ladder

climbing gear

elevated work platform according to site requirements

at the completion of each of the above jobs:

dispose of pruned materials in line with environmental protection practices

compete a basic report on pruning processes and equipment faults

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Knowledge Evidence

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

typical workplace hazards associated with pruning trees and methods of minimising risks:

slope and uneven ground

falling or fallen branches

ladder instability

climbing ladders

loss of balance

damp conditions

reasons for pruning trees and form pruning techniques

best seasonal timing for pruning of tree species relevant to the organisation

what to look for when selecting trees for pruning:

prescribed defects

green crowns

dominance

vigour straightness

lean

size

angle

number of branches

overall tree health

stocking

spacing and quality requirements

purpose, features and safe operation of tree pruning tools and equipment:

pruners

jacksaw

pouch

steps

epicormic remover

pole saw

ladder

climbing gear

elevated work platform according to site requirements

environmental protection practices for disposing of pruned materials:

recycling pruned material where appropriate

sending pruned material to landfill only where it cannot be recycled

redirecting pruned material for energy recovery.

organisational procedures specific to pruning trees:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on risk control and use of personal protective equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting pruning processes and equipment faults.

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