Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to transplant small trees and shrubs without the use of lifting machinery or equipment.
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 tree or shrub removal | 1.1 Confirm transplanting instructions confirmed with the supervisor 1.2 Identify work health and safety hazards and report to the supervisor 1.3 Locate all underground services as outlined by supply authorities 1.4 Prepare and use tools and equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken 1.5 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Prepare tree or shrub and undertake earthworks for removal | 2.1 Prepare crown as required by the species and time of removal 2.2 Clear and water site prior to transplanting 2.3 Confirm root ball width and depth with the supervisor to ensure the root system can colonise new ground, depending on the needs of the species and size of the specimen |
3. Remove tree or shrub from original site | 3.1 Excavate the soil around the root zone 3.2 Prune tree roots where required to meet the appropriate Australian Standard 3.3 Stabilise tree as the root system is undercut and apply anti-transpirants as a root soak or foliar spray to ensure viability of the plant is maintained 3.4 Bind root ball with appropriate material to ensure adequate soil is retained and kept moist prior to transportation and installation 3.5 Lift tree and secure for potential storage or transportation using safe lifting techniques 3.6 Prepare and handle tree or shrub to minimise damage during handling and transportation |
4. Replant tree or shrub in new environment | 4.1 Provide appropriate drainage to ensure root system survival is maintained according to the needs of the species and conditions of the planting site 4.2 Modify soil according to the cultural requirements of the species 4.3 Plant tree or shrub in prepared hole 4.4 Install plant support devices as instructed |
5. Complete transplant operation | 5.1 Maintain transplanted plant with regular aftercare activities appropriate to the requirements of the species 5.2 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment 5.3 Collect waste and dispose of or recycle to minimise damage to the external environment 5.4 Maintain records of transplant |
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:
identify and report site and tree hazards
prepare for tree or shrub removal
prepare crown, root ball and earthworks
prune roots where appropriate
use tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner
remove tree or shrub from original site
transplant tree or shrub in selected site
maintain transplanted specimen
install support devices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of transplanting trees
causes of damage or drying-out of trees and shrubs, and prevention methods
factors affecting the timing and method of lifting trees and shrubs
techniques of securing and anchoring transplanted trees and shrubs
the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions, such as rain, hail, or very high ultraviolet radiation, which may prevent or impede transplanting operations
transference of soil or root-borne diseases
transplanting practices associated with different soil types and relationships to plant care
trees and shrubs that are most suited to transplanting
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)