Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB502 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Identify, select and specify trees

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB502 - Identify, select and specify trees
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect, identify, select and specify a range of trees for suitability for an intended purpose.The unit has a wide range of applications in urban and regional areas for local government and legal contexts in the specification of trees in residential, commercial, public open spaces and amenity areas. The unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work, to analyse and synthesise information, and design and communicate solutions for complex problems. The role involves the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in areas such as tree identification, tree selection criteria and tree functionality.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable current versions of Australian Standards such as AS 2303, AS 2223 and AS 3743.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

It is an industry requirement for competency in this unit that assessment includes construction of a database that must contain a minimum of eighty (80) tree species with general characteristics of suitability for the intended purpose and key identifying features, and an additional twenty (20) intensive tree profiles detailing attributes of the location, taxonomic characteristics, edaphic and environmental preferences and limitations of the tree. The database must include woody monocots and gymnosperms.

Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.

The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:

equipment:

computer

word processing software

internet connection

digital camera/phone camera

soil testing equipment

loupe

field guides

print and digital taxonomic keys

trees

soils, soil mixes and growing media

materials:

tree profile and benefits form

tree selection and specification form

database of tree selections and suitability characteristics

report of the identification, selection and specification process

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.

Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Determine the suitability of trees
  • Consult client, develop a brief and gain agreement
  • Undertake site inspection according to the client brief
  • Determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards
  • Determine functional life expectancy of site and plantings
  • Determine tree function for the precise location within the plan
  • Confirm that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions
  • Research trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources
       
Element: Identify and select trees
  • Identify trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys
  • Give consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees
  • Estimate planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar
  • Confirm that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium
  • Consider environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings
  • Evaluate soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties
  • Appraise a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media
  • Make recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose
  • Evaluate trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region
  • Select trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion
  • Evaluate and document the rationale for tree selection
  • Recommend tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings
  • Document tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications
       
Element: Specify trees
  • Incorporate determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications
  • Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics
  • Evaluate selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees
  • Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification
  • Inspect selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications
  • Inspect delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications
  • Record quality checks on delivered plants and products
       
Element: Correlate and present a report
  • Compile tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics
  • Produce a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records
  • Present the client or organisation with the report
       


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine the suitability of trees

1.1 Consult client, develop a brief and gain agreement

1.2 Undertake site inspection according to the client brief

1.3 Determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards

1.4 Determine functional life expectancy of site and plantings

1.5 Determine tree function for the precise location within the plan

1.6 Confirm that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions

1.7 Research trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources

2. Identify and select trees

2.1 Identify trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys

2.2 Give consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees

2.3 Estimate planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar

2.4 Confirm that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium

2.5 Consider environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings

2.6 Evaluate soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties

2.7 Appraise a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media

2.8 Make recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose

2.9 Evaluate trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region

2.10 Select trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion

2.11 Evaluate and document the rationale for tree selection

2.12 Recommend tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings

2.13 Document tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications

3. Specify trees

3.1 Incorporate determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications

3.2 Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics

3.3 Evaluate selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees

3.4 Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification

3.5 Inspect selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications

3.6 Inspect delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications

3.7 Record quality checks on delivered plants and products

4. Correlate and present a report

4.1 Compile tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics

4.2 Produce a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records

4.3 Present the client or organisation with the report

The candidate must produce a report of the tree identification, selection and specification process that recommends tree species for a site and incorporates the tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics. 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:

consulting client, developing a brief and gaining agreement

undertaking site inspection according to the client brief

determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards including AS 2303, AS 2223 and AS 3743

determining functional life expectancy of site and plantings

determining tree function for the precise location within the plan

confirming that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions

researching trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources

identifying trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys

giving consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees

estimating planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar

confirming that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium

considering environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings

evaluating soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties

appraising a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media

making recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose

evaluating trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region

selecting trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion

evaluating and document the rationale for tree selection

recommending tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings

documenting tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications

incorporating determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications

matching species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics

evaluating selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees

assessing final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification

inspecting selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications

inspecting delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications

recording quality checks on delivered plants and products

compiling tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics

producing a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records

presenting the client or organisation with the report.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

client consultation and client brief

legislative requirements and regulatory requirements

site inspections

functional life expectancy of tree and site

tree functionality for precise locations

selection of tree species and cultivars

appropriateness of species and cultivar selection for site aspect and dimensions

how to research and use multiple sources of reference material

concept of ‘suitability for a purpose’

trees suitable for an intended purpose

methods of determining the suitability of a tree for a purpose

tree identification using multiple reference sources

tree identification using taxonomic keys

ethnobotany, morphology, physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature

tree species-specific characteristics

environmental conditions for the functional characteristics of the tree

estimation of planting area dimensions

soil volume proportions to the size of tree

site hydrology

evaluation of soils, soil mixes and growing media for characteristics of density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties

appraisal of a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media

recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements

soil suitability for intended purpose

methods of assessment of soil for suitability as a growth medium

evaluation of trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region

tree selection methodology using quality criteria of suitability for purpose

evaluation and documentation of rationale for tree selection

recommendations of tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings

documentation of tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications

incorporation of criteria for size of stock selection into specifications

methods of matching species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics

selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees

assessment of final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirmation of the tree specification

inspection methods for structural quality, root health and quantities of plants on site

inspection of delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications

methods of quality control and quality assurance

how to monitor quality and apply quality controls

tree structural quality

recording quality checks on delivered plants and products

methods of data capture

database construction

characteristics of taxonomy and nomenclature required for database use

characteristics of tree ‘suitability for a purpose’ required for database use

compilation of tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics

report production of the identification, selection and specification process.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine the suitability of trees

1.1 Consult client, develop a brief and gain agreement

1.2 Undertake site inspection according to the client brief

1.3 Determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards

1.4 Determine functional life expectancy of site and plantings

1.5 Determine tree function for the precise location within the plan

1.6 Confirm that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions

1.7 Research trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources

2. Identify and select trees

2.1 Identify trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys

2.2 Give consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees

2.3 Estimate planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar

2.4 Confirm that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium

2.5 Consider environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings

2.6 Evaluate soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties

2.7 Appraise a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media

2.8 Make recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose

2.9 Evaluate trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region

2.10 Select trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion

2.11 Evaluate and document the rationale for tree selection

2.12 Recommend tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings

2.13 Document tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications

3. Specify trees

3.1 Incorporate determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications

3.2 Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics

3.3 Evaluate selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees

3.4 Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification

3.5 Inspect selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications

3.6 Inspect delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications

3.7 Record quality checks on delivered plants and products

4. Correlate and present a report

4.1 Compile tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics

4.2 Produce a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records

4.3 Present the client or organisation with the report

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
Consult client, develop a brief and gain agreement 
Undertake site inspection according to the client brief 
Determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards 
Determine functional life expectancy of site and plantings 
Determine tree function for the precise location within the plan 
Confirm that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions 
Research trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources 
Identify trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys 
Give consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees 
Estimate planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar 
Confirm that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium 
Consider environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings 
Evaluate soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties 
Appraise a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media 
Make recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose 
Evaluate trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region 
Select trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion 
Evaluate and document the rationale for tree selection 
Recommend tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings 
Document tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications 
Incorporate determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications 
Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics 
Evaluate selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees 
Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification 
Inspect selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications 
Inspect delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications 
Record quality checks on delivered plants and products 
Compile tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics 
Produce a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records 
Present the client or organisation with the report 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB502 - Identify, select and specify trees
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

AHCARB502 - Identify, select and specify trees

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: