| Range of VariablesThe 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 training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available |
What is likely to be the format for a landscape maintenance program? | Landscape maintenance programs, particularly those associated with recent landscape construction projects, may appear as detailed drawings with technical specifications. Others may be in a report or chart format, or in a summary note or attachment forming part of a contractual agreement with a client. |
What is likely to be included in the scope of maintenance works? | Landscape maintenance work may include care of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, weed and pest control, turf cultivation, maintenance of irrigation systems, upkeep of landscape structures, features and site furniture, miscellaneous tasks such as mowing, rubbish removal, and reinstatement of lost or damaged plants. |
What does frequency of maintenance works mean in relation to a maintenance program? | Frequency of maintenance works may include the frequency of routine works such as mowing, pruning and summer watering, and non-routine works known as contingencies that may be required only for specific and unpredictable reasons, such as vandalism, drought, and major weed or pest infestations. |
What is likely to be planned and prepared for landscape maintenance works? | Planning and preparation may include the correct materials, tools and equipment required, the assessment of labour needs to complete the work, and the timing and order of work to be undertaken. |
What OHS hazards may apply to landscape maintenance? | Hazards may include chemicals and hazardous substances, manual handling, operating machinery, sharp tools, uneven surfaces, and solar radiation. |
What environmental impacts might landscape maintenance activities have? | Landscape maintenance programs may have beneficial environmental impacts where drainage and irrigation reduce excess water, nutrient and chemical flow into natural waterways. Detrimental environmental impacts may arise where the drainage and irrigation systems do not optimise water use because of incorrect installation or design faults, such as irrigation overspray or inefficient drainage. Cultivation may also damage the soil structure. |
What stresses are plants likely to suffer? | Stresses may include physical damage from people, vehicles or animals, weather factors such as extreme wind, heat or cold, and compacted soils which do not allow roots to access adequate water or soil. |
What after care is required to re-establish replaced plants? | After care may include pruning, irrigation, mowing and turf care, fertilising, rubbish removal, fungicides, weed, pest and disease treatment, and control of vertebrate pests. |
How are landscape areas defined according to this standard? | Landscape areas may include gardens, commercial sites, industrial sites, city parks, institutions (e.g. schools and hospitals), local government parks, and reserves and bushland areas. |
What plant protection devices are likely to be used? | Plant protective devices may include stakes and ties, temporary fencing, plastic sleeves, decorative wooden or steel tree guards, root and soil protectors such as grates, grilles, and paving that allow water and air to enter the soil. |
| For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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