Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manually plant trees and shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants.
It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for planting operations | 1.1 Identify work health and safety hazards and tell the supervisor 1.2 Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure correct fit 1.3 Use and maintain tools and equipment for planting 1.4 Mark site out as directed 1.5 Control competing plants 1.6 Modify soil as directed |
2. Prepare trees and shrubs for planting | 2.1 Excavate planting holes 2.2 Water trees and shrubs prior to planting 2.3 Confirm root ball is damp 2.4 Remove trees and shrubs from containers |
3. Inspect plants and report problems | 3.1 Inspect plant and root ball 3.2 Report dry, water repellent and loose root balls 3.3 Report the presence of symptoms of pests or disease 3.4 Apply root treatments as directed |
4. Install trees, shrubs and/or other plants | 4.1 Place plants in prepared hole 4.2 Back-fill planting hole and consolidate soil 4.3 Water plants to eliminate air pockets 4.4 Apply mulch as directed |
5. Complete work | 5.1 Dispose of or recycle soil and waste material from the site to minimise damage to the environment 5.2 Clean and store all tools and equipment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
prepare for planting operations
apply root treatments
excavate planting holes
inspect root ball condition
install plants
use tools and equipment for planting
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for planting trees and shrubs
basic plant structure and the physical and nutritional requirements of plants
botany and plant physiology as it applies to planting trees and shrubs
factors affecting the timing and method of tree or shrub planting
initial establishment needs of young plants
mulches and fertilisers
planting techniques relating to specific species
soil amelioration techniques
the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions
the impact of planting activities on the surrounding environment
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Parks and gardens (PGD)