Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of manual planting of trees and shrubs and defines the standard required to: carry out ground preparation; excavate planting holes; apply suitable tree planting techniques for the tree species; inspect root ball quality; apply a range of treatments; apply post planting applications; monitor and record plantings.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of planting of trees, shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for planting operations

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

1.3. Tools and equipment for planting are used according to directions.

1.4. Site is marked out according to planting plan and according to directions.

1.5. Competing plants are controlled.

1.6. Soil is modified according to directions.

2. Prepare trees and shrubs for planting

2.1. Planting holes are excavated according to the needs of the plant.

2.2. Trees and shrubs are watered prior to planting.

2.3. Root ball is verified to be damp.

2.4. Trees and shrubs are removed from containers.

3. Inspect plants and report problems

3.1. Plant and root ball are inspected

3.2. Dry, water repellent and loose root balls are reported to the supervisor.

3.3. Presence of symptoms of pests or disease is reported to the supervisor.

3.4. Root treatments are applied according to directions.

4. Install trees, shrubs and/or other plants

4.1. Plants are placed in hole.

4.2. Planting hole is back-filled and soil consolidated.

4.3. Plants are watered in where required to eliminate air pockets.

4.4. Apply mulch as directed.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards
• use tools and equipment for planting
• mark out planting site
• excavate planting holes
• inspect root ball condition
• observe problems of root balls
• install plants
• apply root treatments
• follow work procedures
• participate in teams and contribute to team objective
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• basic botany and physiology
• chemical use, toxicity and mode of action of chemicals used
• awareness of the impact of planting activities on the surrounding environment
• planting techniques relating to specific species
• factors affecting the timing and method of tree or shrub planting
• initial establishment needs of juvenile plants
• soil amelioration techniques
• principles relating to the application of mulches and fertilisers
• basic plant structure and the physical and nutritional requirements of plants
• OHS legislative requirements and Code of Practice
• manual handling techniques
• the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions.

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:

• carry out ground preparation
• excavate planting holes
• apply suitable tree planting techniques for the tree species
• inspect root ball quality
• apply a range of treatments
• apply post planting applications
• monitor and record plantings.

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.

Plants may include:

• trees, shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants.

Planting may include:

• all plant installations and planting activities in parks and gardens
• domestic and commercial landscapes
• sporting facilities
• planting of windbreaks and shelter belts
• programmed environmental maintenance
• rehabilitation of natural areas
• reversal of environmental degradation.

Unit sector 

Parks and gardens

Co-requisite units 

Competency field