This unit applies to the process of planting of trees, shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for planting operations

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

1.3. Tools and equipment for planting are used according to directions.

1.4. Site is marked out according to planting plan and according to directions.

1.5. Competing plants are controlled.

1.6. Soil is modified according to directions.

2. Prepare trees and shrubs for planting

2.1. Planting holes are excavated according to the needs of the plant.

2.2. Trees and shrubs are watered prior to planting.

2.3. Root ball is verified to be damp.

2.4. Trees and shrubs are removed from containers.

3. Inspect plants and report problems

3.1. Plant and root ball are inspected

3.2. Dry, water repellent and loose root balls are reported to the supervisor.

3.3. Presence of symptoms of pests or disease is reported to the supervisor.

3.4. Root treatments are applied according to directions.

4. Install trees, shrubs and/or other plants

4.1. Plants are placed in hole.

4.2. Planting hole is back-filled and soil consolidated.

4.3. Plants are watered in where required to eliminate air pockets.

4.4. Apply mulch as directed.

Required skills

identify hazards

use tools and equipment for planting

mark out planting site

excavate planting holes

inspect root ball condition

observe problems of root balls

install plants

apply root treatments

follow work procedures

participate in teams and contribute to team objective

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

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

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

Required knowledge

basic botany and physiology

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 Code of Practice

manual handling techniques

the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions.

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:

carry out ground preparation

excavate planting holes

apply suitable tree planting techniques for the tree species

inspect root ball quality

apply a range of treatments

apply post planting applications

monitor and record plantings.

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.

Plants may include:

trees, shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants.

Planting may include:

all plant installations and planting activities in parks and gardens

domestic and commercial landscapes

sporting facilities

planting of windbreaks and shelter belts

programmed environmental maintenance

rehabilitation of natural areas

reversal of environmental degradation.

Unit sector

Parks and gardens

This unit contains employability skills.