Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers managing a tree transplanting program and defines the standard required to: assess the transplant trees; assess the lifting and transplant sites; determine the transplant and transportation requirements and removal method; implement the transplanting operation; document the tree transplanting program, budget and monitoring procedures; document the contingency planning and after-care plan.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the management a tree transplanting program and is likely to be undertaken without supervision, with only general guidance on progress sought by management and/or the client.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess the sites and trees

1.1. Site assessments are undertaken to identify site conditions which may impact upon transplanting activities at the lifting site and the transplant site.

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

1.3. Liaison with local authorities and information services is undertaken to determine location of services and utilities, and legislation, local by-laws and regulations governing the transplanting/transporting of trees.

1.4. Trees are assessed for viability for transplanting to ensure the best time and conditions are chosen according to tree species characteristics.

2. Determine transplanting requirements

2.1. The appropriate tools, equipment, machinery and specialist contractors are identified in accordance with the site assessment and tree species to be transplanted.

2.2. Excavation methods and root ball preparation is determined according to the characteristics of the species.

2.3. Crown reduction/protection tasks are determined according to the characteristics of the species and are planned to meet AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees.

2.4. Root ball and tree mass is calculated to determine appropriate lifting and transport requirements.

2.5. Personnel/contractor requirements are negotiated to ensure trees are prepared, lifted, transported and re-installed with minimum stress to the trees, and with regard to safety and environmental factors.

2.6. A transport route is identified with regard to the size and shape of the tree and road transport vehicle requirements.

2.7. An aftercare plan outlining monitoring frequency and methods to maintain the health and viability of the transplanted tree(s) is determined and documented in the program.

3. Document a tree transplanting program

3.1. Transplanting program is documented according to management and/or client needs.

3.2. Resources and costing details are documented and presented to management and/or the client.

3.3. Transplanting program is communicated to the relevant personnel for implementation.

3.4. Transplant operations are performed as per standard Implement a tree transplanting program.

3.5. Completed tree transplanting program is assessed to ensure that transplantation was undertaken according to the identified program and budget guidelines.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• assess tree viability
• calculate root ball and tree mass and size
• calculate project resources and costs and develop a budget
• assess crown and root reduction requirements
• accurately document a transplanting program and communicate these plans and instructions to clients and other personnel
• plan the transplanting program in an environmentally sensitive manner
• negotiate and manage contracts
• liaise with local authorities to determine location of services and relevant legislation
• assess and control risks
• use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• tree anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
• current practices and techniques in tree preparation, lifting, transportation and replanting
• methods of managing tree moving operations
• tree transplanting techniques appropriate to the specific requirements of the species
• causes of stress in trees resulting from resulting from transplanting, storage and transportation
• requirements for securing and signing trees for road transportation
• planning considerations and environmental implications of transplanting activities
• aftercare management
• OHS risks associated with transplanting trees
• the effect of adverse climatic conditions
• relevant legislation that may impact on a tree transplant program
• local government tree protection and preservation regulations
• AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
• relevant Code of Practice.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 the transplant trees
• assess the lifting and transplant sites
• determine the transplant and transportation requirements and removal method
• implement the transplanting operation
• document the tree transplanting program, budget and monitoring procedures
• document the contingency planning and after-care plan.

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Transplanting program may include:

• location and site plans
• site assessment details
• location of services
• relevant legislation
• tree characteristics
• OHS risks and controls
• tools
• equipment and machinery requirements
• transplanting methods
• transportation details
• aftercare requirements
• personnel requirements
• timeframes
• budgets
• environmental considerations
• organic waste disposal
• recycling or re-use guidelines.

Unit sector 

Landscape

Co-requisite units 

Competency field