Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish turf by seed, sod or other methods.
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 to establish a planted area | 1.1 Select materials, tools, equipment and machinery for planting 1.2 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery 1.3 Identify the environmental implications of the turf establishment program |
2. Prepare the planting area | 2.1 Determine layout of services before undertaking earthworks 2.2 Control existing weeds 2.3 Check soil for moisture, tilth, compactness, depth and organic matter 2.4 Apply soil additives as instructed 2.5 Rake the surface evenly to achieve a consistent surface and level as required 2.6 Water the planting site 2.7 Remove and disposed of debris and rubbish |
3. Plant turf | 3.1 Inspect turf plant material before planting and discard material with defects 3.2 Ensure seed is evenly distributed over the whole planting area with no overlap or areas missed 3.3 Rake surface evenly and water thoroughly 3.4 Position sods and roll evenly onto a moist surface 3.5 Water newly laid turf thoroughly to encourage establishment |
4. Provide post-planting care | 4.1 Protect the site from animals, pedestrian and vehicular traffic 4.2 Roll the site evenly and efficiently with no disturbance 4.3 Mow turf according to a specified pattern and height 4.4 Apply top dressing evenly to the required depth over the whole area and is work or rub into the surface 4.5 Water dry or under-watered plants 4.6 Check watering patterns for dry spots |
5. Complete establishment of the planted area | 5.1 Remove and dispose of waste material 5.2 Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery 5.3 Maintain a clean and safe work area throughout and on completion of work 5.4 Record and report work outcomes to the supervisor |
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. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
erect safety equipment
follow procedures and sequence work during the course of the growing-in period
handle manual loads correctly
transport, clean and maintain and store turf establishment machinery and equipment
use turf establishment machinery and equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practice for supporting turf establishment
different soil preparations for establishment
effective and safe use of tools and machinery
requirements of turf species and their cultural requirements
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
Turf (TRF)