This unit applies to the process of performing specialist amenity pruning. The standard requires knowledge of pruning tools and equipment, principles and techniques of specialist pruning, and identification of relevant plants.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for specialist amenity pruning

1.1. Plants are visually inspected and pruning strategy is determined according to the plants characteristics or desired outcome.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.3. Pruning tools and equipment are selected and prepared according to the extent of the pruning program and enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Where required, references are consulted to determine best pruning strategies for special plants.

2. Undertake specialist pruning

2.1. Equipment is used according to OHS requirements and manufactures specifications.

2.2. Pruning is undertaken according to established and specialist pruning techniques.

2.3. Site environmental concerns are adhered to in accordance with relevant legislation and/or regulations

2.4. Waste material is disposed of according to enterprise guidelines.

2.5. Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, maintained, serviced and stored consistent with enterprise guidelines and manufacturers specifications.

2.6. Site is cleared and cleaned according to enterprise guidelines.

3. Assess pruning quality

3.1. Plants selected for specialist pruning are visually checked to assess pruning quality.

3.2. Pruning work is reviewed to ensure pruning requirements have been met

3.3. Where required remedial work is carried out to ensure the pruning work meets objectives.

3.4. Completed pruning is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client according to enterprise guidelines.

Required skills

recognise common diseases, pests and nutrition deficiencies in trees

sharpen and maintain tools required for pruning

undertake a range of specialist pruning techniques

assess pruning quality

meet pruning program requirements

store and carry tools safely

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

Required knowledge

identification of plant species and their pruning requirements

principles and methods of specialist pruning to achieve given objectives

anatomy and physiology of plants, shrubs and trees

effect on plant growth and habit after pruning

specialist tools and equipment

local government tree protection and preservation regulations

AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

relevant Code of Practice.

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:

determine pruning requirements for a range of amenity plants

undertake a range of specialist pruning techniques

assess pruning quality

meet pruning program requirements

select use and maintain pruning tools and equipment.

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 that require pruning may include:

plants that require special treatment including fruit trees and vines

ornamental flowering trees and shrubs

standards

topiaries

pleached arbors

roses

other plants that have special pruning requirements due to flowering, growth or other characteristics.

Techniques may include:

cleaning out

crown lifting

crown reduction

pruning for structural integrity

crown renewal

crown thinning

dead wooding

hedging

branch

root pruning

espaliers

topiary

preparation of standards

bonsai

epicormic and green shoot removal according to desired outcomes, plant habit and seasonal needs.

Unit sector

Parks and gardens

This unit contains employability skills.