Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Interpret a landscape maintenance program

1.1

Scope of maintenance works is determined according to the landscape maintenance program.

1.2

Frequency of maintenance works is determined and implemented according to the landscape maintenance program.

1.3

Landscape maintenance standards are established in line with the landscape maintenance program.

1.4

Maintenance works are planned and prepared.

1.5

OHS hazards are identified, associated risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.6

Environmental impact of landscape maintenance activities are identified.

2

Identify and replace diseased or damaged plants

2.1

Diseased or damaged plants are identified and recorded.

2.2

Plants are treated or removed and replaced according to terms and conditions of the maintenance program.

2.3

Diseased or damaged plants which are beyond the scope of the maintenance program are reported to the nominated person.

2.4

Aftercare is provided to re established plants to ensure their health and vigour are maintained.

3

Monitor and maintain landscape areas

3.1

A site inspection checklist is established according to the landscape maintenance program.

3.2

Site is regularly inspected according to the checklist.

3.3

Check and repair plant protection devices.

3.4

Remedial action and repairs are identified to restore site to full effectiveness.

3.5

Results of maintenance works are assessed and recorded to ensure repairs or renovation objectives and standards have been achieved according to the landscape maintenance program.

3.6

Ensure surroundings are tidied and materials and equipment cleared from the landscape area on completion of maintenance works.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in implementing a landscape maintenance program requires evidence that plant protection devices can be maintained, diseased or damaged plants can be recognised, removed or replaced, and that the landscape area can be maintained to the standards outlined in the landscape maintenance program.

The skills and knowledge required to implement a landscape maintenance program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different programs, landscape settings and enterprise procedures.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

a detailed knowledge of what is included (and what is excluded) from the landscape maintenance program or contract

actions permitted in the event of variations to maintenance programs/contracts

appropriate horticultural practices for heritage and cultural areas

principles and applications of an integrated pest management program

characteristics of a range of plants

optimal growing conditions for a range of plants

common problems occurring in a range of plants.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

observe and determine maintenance requirements for a site

co-ordinate maintenance operations to minimise cost and time factors

observe environmental protocols in maintaining a landscape area including the safe disposal of all debris from the site

read, interpret and implement a landscape maintenance program including communication and calculation skills.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Written and oral information relating to landscape maintenance activities may be shared with contractors, other members of the work team and/or clients.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

A landscape maintenance program may involve the establishment of a checklist to prioritise activities.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Landscape maintenance activities may need to be planned and organised according to particular site and weather conditions.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

To minimise cost and time factors in landscape maintenance work, labour needs may be increased to include contractors and/or consultants.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Mathematical techniques may be needed to calculate and cost maintenance requirements. For example, the cost of replacing damaged plants and/or landscape structures.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Problems may arise regarding non-routine works in landscape maintenance. Contingencies may be required for vandalism, drought or pest infestations.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Technology may be used to plan a landscape maintenance program.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What is likely to be the format for a landscape maintenance program?

Landscape maintenance programs, particularly those associated with recent landscape construction projects, may appear as detailed drawings with technical specifications. Others may be in a report or chart format, or in a summary note or attachment forming part of a contractual agreement with a client.

What is likely to be included in the scope of maintenance works?

Landscape maintenance work may include care of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, weed and pest control, turf cultivation, maintenance of irrigation systems, upkeep of landscape structures, features and site furniture, miscellaneous tasks such as mowing, rubbish removal, and reinstatement of lost or damaged plants.

What does frequency of maintenance works mean in relation to a maintenance program?

Frequency of maintenance works may include the frequency of routine works such as mowing, pruning and summer watering, and non-routine works known as contingencies that may be required only for specific and unpredictable reasons, such as vandalism, drought, and major weed or pest infestations.

What is likely to be planned and prepared for landscape maintenance works?

Planning and preparation may include the correct materials, tools and equipment required, the assessment of labour needs to complete the work, and the timing and order of work to be undertaken.

What OHS hazards may apply to landscape maintenance?

Hazards may include chemicals and hazardous substances, manual handling, operating machinery, sharp tools, uneven surfaces, and solar radiation.

What environmental impacts might landscape maintenance activities have?

Landscape maintenance programs may have beneficial environmental impacts where drainage and irrigation reduce excess water, nutrient and chemical flow into natural waterways. Detrimental environmental impacts may arise where the drainage and irrigation systems do not optimise water use because of incorrect installation or design faults, such as irrigation overspray or inefficient drainage. Cultivation may also damage the soil structure.

What stresses are plants likely to suffer?

Stresses may include physical damage from people, vehicles or animals, weather factors such as extreme wind, heat or cold, and compacted soils which do not allow roots to access adequate water or soil.

What after care is required to re-establish replaced plants?

After care may include pruning, irrigation, mowing and turf care, fertilising, rubbish removal, fungicides, weed, pest and disease treatment, and control of vertebrate pests.

How are landscape areas defined according to this standard?

Landscape areas may include gardens, commercial sites, industrial sites, city parks, institutions (e.g. schools and hospitals), local government parks, and reserves and bushland areas.

What plant protection devices are likely to be used?

Plant protective devices may include stakes and ties, temporary fencing, plastic sleeves, decorative wooden or steel tree guards, root and soil protectors such as grates, grilles, and paving that allow water and air to enter the soil.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.