Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform specialist amenity pruning using specialist pruning techniques.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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 specialist amenity pruning | 1.1 Inspect plants and determine pruning strategy according to the plants’ characteristics or desired outcome 1.2 Identify common diseases, pests and nutrition deficiencies in trees 1.3 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement suitable controls 1.4 Select and prepare pruning tools and equipment required by the pruning program 1.5 Consult references where required to determine best pruning strategies for special plants |
2. Undertake specialist pruning | 2.1 Undertake pruning using established and specialist pruning techniques 2.2 Adhere to site environmental procedures 2.3 Assess pruned plants to determine if pruning requirements have been met 2.4 Carry out remedial work where required |
3. Complete work | 3.1 Dispose of or recycle waste material from the site to minimise damage to the environment 3.2 Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery 3.3 Clean and clear site 3.4 Record completed pruning and report to supervisor or the client |
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 pruning
sharpen and maintain tools required for pruning
meet pruning program requirements
carry out pruning using specialist pruning techniques
store and carry tools safely
assess pruning quality
clean and clear pruning site
record and report completed pruning to supervisor or client
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of specialist pruning
anatomy and physiology of plants, shrubs and trees
AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
compartmentalisation of decay in trees (CODIT)
effect on plant growth and habit after pruning
identification of plant species and their pruning requirements
local government tree protection and preservation regulations
principles and methods of specialist pruning to achieve given objectives
specialist tools and equipment
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)