This unit applies to the complete transplant operation involved in re-locating small trees.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for tree or shrub removal

1.1. Transplanting plans/instructions are obtained and confirmed with the supervisor.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

1.3. All underground services are located according to supply authorities' guidelines.

1.4. Tools and equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken are prepared and used according to supervisor's instructions and manufacturers guidelines.

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

2. Prepare tree or shrub and undertake earthworks for removal

2.1. Crown is prepared according to the requirements of the species, time of removal and enterprise work procedures.

2.2. Site is cleared and watered prior to transplanting.

2.3. Root ball width and depth is confirmed with the supervisor to ensure the root system can colonise new ground according to the needs of the species and size of the specimen.

3. Remove tree or shrub from original site

3.1. Soil around the root zone is excavated according to documented guidelines.

3.2. Tree roots are pruned where required to meet AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees.

3.3. Tree is stabilised as the root system is undercut and anti-transpirants applied as a root soak or foliar spray to ensure viability of the plant is maintained.

3.4. Root ball is bound with appropriate material to ensure adequate soil is retained and kept moist prior to transportation and installation.

3.5. Tree is lifted and secured for potential storage and/or transportation using safe lifting techniques and in accordance with documented guidelines.

3.6. Tree or shrub is prepared and handled to minimise damage during handling and transportation.

4. Replant tree or shrub in new environment

4.1. Appropriate drainage is provided to ensure root system survival is maintained according to the needs of the species and conditions of the planting site.

4.2. Soil is modified according to the cultural requirements of the species.

4.3. Tree or shrub is planted in prepared hole according to documented work procedures.

4.4. Plant support devices are installed according to the supervisor's instructions and/or installation plan.

5. Complete transplant operation

5.1. Transplanted plant is maintained with regular aftercare activities appropriate to the requirements of the species.

5.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to enterprise guidelines.

5.3. Waste is collected and disposed of or recycled to minimise damage to the external environment.

5.4. Records of transplant are maintained in the appropriate format.

Required skills

identify and report site and tree hazards

prepare crown, root ball and earthworks

prune roots where appropriate

provide precise watering applications

install support devices

apply anti-transpirants

maintain transplanted specimen

interpret work procedures including transplanting/installation plans and site map

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

use tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner

calculate area, volumes and treatment application rates

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 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

enterprise guidelines for manual handling

safe lifting loads

trees and shrubs that are most suited to transplanting

factors affecting the timing and method of lifting trees and shrubs

causes of damage or drying-out of trees and shrubs, and prevention methods

transplanting practices associated with different soil types and relationships to plant care

responsible and environmentally sensible practices concerning the nutrition and watering requirements for newly transplanted trees and shrubs

techniques of securing and anchoring transplanted trees and shrubs

the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions (e.g., rain, hail, or very high ultraviolet radiation), which may prevent or impede transplanting operations

transference of soil/root borne diseases.

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:

assess transplanting requirements and suitability of plant and site

prepare the plant for transplanting and the new site

remove the plant safely and with minimal damage

replant the plant

provide aftercare for transplanted plants.

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.

Trees may include:

all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.

Unit sector

Parks and gardens

This unit contains employability skills.