This unit applies to the application of extensive arboricultural knowledge and a broad range of arboricultural skills.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to a tree assessment

1.1. Site assessment is undertaken to identify conditions which may impact upon the health and vigour of the tree.

1.2. Stress inducing factors are identified according to published characteristics of the species.

1.3. Specimens of stressed material are collected to enable diagnosis of stress according to enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Environmental issues that could affect the health and vigour of the tree are assessed for impact on growth according to published data and species characteristics.

1.5. Information relating to the tree assessment is recorded and reported according to enterprise guidelines.

2. Prepare to undertake a treatment program

2.1. Treatment program is interpreted and confirmed with management.

2.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.3. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

2.4. Treatment methods and equipment are selected according to published data and enterprise guidelines.

2.5. Environmental implications of undertaking the treatment program are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

3. Undertake a treatment program

3.1. Equipment is prepared and used according to enterprise guidelines, OHS requirements and with due regard for environmental implications.

3.2. Physical and/or chemical treatments are undertaken according to treatment program specifications, OHS requirements, and with due regard for environmental implications.

3.3. Growing environment is maintained according to the needs of the species.

4. Complete treatment program activities

4.1. Infected plant material is disposed of according to enterprise hygiene guidelines.

4.2. Equipment is sterilised in accordance with enterprise hygiene guidelines.

4.3. Physical and/or chemical treatments are followed up according to treatment program specifications and/or manufacturers recommendation.

4.4. Timetables for follow up treatments are determined and communicated as per enterprise guidelines.

4.5. Records are maintained in accordance with enterprise guidelines.

Required skills

work using a variety of chemical application tools and pieces of equipment that are suitable for the task, while minimising environmental impact

dispose of plant and equipment debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting plant and paper-based waste for recycling

dispose of chemical substances and their containers to minimise environmental impact

calibrate chemical application equipment

measure quantities, area and distance and time

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

the environmental implications of implementing a tree maintenance program in a range of locations such as urban, rural - farming, rural - native vegetation, seaside, and water catchment area

AS1742 Pt 3 1985 - Australian Standard Code of Practice, Work Site Traffic Management

industry code of practice

identification and evaluation of structural defects in trees

the principles of identifying pests, diseases and physiological damage to trees

methods of attack of tree pests and diseases

methods of analysing the nutritional status of trees

statutory requirements relating to the use of pesticides and herbicides and the environmental implications of using chemicals

recognition and identification of a range of tree species

treatments and treatment methods commonly used with trees

methods of collecting and storing specimens for identification and diagnostic tests

methods of recording, storing and processing data.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

determine the annual maintenance requirements for trees

prepare a comprehensive tree maintenance program

apply a range of tree maintenance techniques

monitor and review the maintenance program over the course of a season.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

The variables for this unit may include:

trees in amenity and urban environments.

Treatment methods may include:

pruning

repair of damaged material

application of pesticides

application of fertilizers

treatment of soil

reducing compaction/improving aeration and drainage.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.