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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for planting operations
  2. Prepare planting site
  3. Prepare trees and shrubs for planting
  4. Install trees, shrubs and/or other plants
  5. Complete planting operations

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in planting trees and shrubs requires evidence that a person can prepare a planting site according to a planting plan excavate a planting hole prepare trees and shrubs for planting install trees and shrubs and apply postplanting treatments according to species requirements The skills and knowledge required to plant trees and shrubs must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different species for planting locations and times of the year

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Chemical use toxicity and mode of action of chemicals used

Awareness of the impact of planting activities on the surrounding environment

Planting techniques relating to specific species

Factors affecting the timing and method of tree or shrub planting

Initial establishment needs of juvenile plants

Soil amelioration techniques

Principles relating to the application of mulches and fertilisers

Basic plant structure and the physical and nutritional requirements of plants

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

Manual handling techniques

The effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions eg rain hail or very high ultraviolet radiation which may prevent or impede planting trees and shrubs

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Interpret work procedures including planting plans and site map

Communicate with team members and supervisor

Participate in teams and contribute to team objective

Calibrate tools and equipment

Measure distance

Calculate area planting and seeding rates volumes and treatment application rate

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Ideas and information relating to planting activities and problems encountered should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Enterprise work procedures and planting plan should be consulted interpreted and applied to coordinate revegetation activities with further clarification sought from the supervisor where necessary

How are activities planned and organised

Equipment materials and work procedures for planting activities will need to be arranged before and between work periods and there will be some responsibility for coordinating work with others

How can team work be applied

Planting trees and shrubs may involve working with other members of a team to complete the planting program within given timelines

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Measuring distance calculating areas calibrating tools and equipment estimating quantities of materials measuring treatment volumes and rates and the depth and volume of planting holes will require mathematical application

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to planting techniques processes the planting area workplace safety tools and equipment environmental issues and other team members may arise when planting trees and shrubs

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be applied in the preparation use and maintenance of horticultural tools and equipment

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function RUH

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What OHS hazards may be associated with the planting of trees and shrubs?

Hazards may include, solar radiation, dust, noise, air and soil-borne microorganisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, holes, slippery and uneven surfaces, and spider and insect bites.

What environmental implications may be associated with planting trees and shrubs?

Environmental implications associated with the planting program may be beneficial to the external environment (particularly in regard to planting of windbreaks and shelter belts, programmed environmental maintenance, and the reversal of environmental degradation), when the trees and shrubs planted are consistent with the needs of the flora and fauna indigenous to the geographic region. However, work activities undertaken may have immediate detrimental effects on the surrounding environment, including misuse of chemicals, contamination of ground water or stormwater from excess run-off, levels of noise, dust, and inappropriate waste disposal.

What tools andequipment may be used to complete tree and shrub planting works?

Tools and equipment may include secateurs, knives, spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, spray equipment, augers, buckets, brooms, wheelbarrows, hoses and hose fittings, ancillary equipment such as stabilising materials, weed mats, stakes, tree guards.

What PPE may be required to carry out tree planting works?

PPE may include hat, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, respirator or facemask, face guard, hearing protection and sunscreen lotion.

What enterprise work procedures are appropriate for this standard?

These may include supervisors instructions and orders, planting plans and specifications, client's instructions, sketches, work schedules, manufacturers guidelines, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

How might competing plants be controlled to reduce competition?

Competing plants may be controlled by the application of herbicide to weeds by spray, wick, cut and paint or injection, hand grubbing of seedlings, trimming or removal of whole plants or seed heads.

How might soil be modified to make it suitable for the planting program?

Soil modifications may include tilling, deep ripping, addition of nutrition/fertiliser or other organic compounds, conditioning additives to effect a change in the water holding capacity of the soil, soil structure, soil texture, and pH, such as gypsum, sand, lime, dolomite, chemicals, mulches.

What specifications may apply to the excavation of planting holes?

Specifications for planting holes may include dimensions to match plant size and root depth, gouging sides of planting hole to remove glazing of sidewalls.

What trees and shrubs may be relevant to this standard?

Trees and shrubs may include container grown, tube grown or bare rooted plants across a range of species and growth habits (e.g., groundcovers, climbers, bulbs, annuals, grasses, lilies, etc.) that do not require mechanised lifting devices.

What root treatments may be required prior to planting?

Root treatment may include trimming diseased or damaged roots, cutting off lower section of root ball, separating bound roots, teasing out roots to fit planting hole, removing excess potting media, dips (fungicides, bacterial, hormone).

What post-planting treatments may be required to maintain plant health and quality?

Post-planting treatments may include weed and disease control, mulching, fertilising, watering, pruning (formative pruning, removal of damaged or dead materials, canopy reduction, thinning, lifting), securing (tying, staking, bracing, anchoring, guying) and installation of tree guards and protective materials.

What waste material may be relevant to this standard?

Waste material may include unused work material, plant debris, litter and broken components.

Plant-based material may be mulched or composted, plastic, metal, paper-based materials may be recycled, re-used, returned to the manufacturer or disposed of according to enterprise work procedures.

What records may be relevant to this standard?

Records may include number and type of plants and materials used in the planting program, injury and dangerous occurrence reports, treatments and/or amendments applied, chemical use, date, problems encountered.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.