Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of pruning shrubs and small trees and defines the standard required to: confirm the pruning method; prepare tools and equipment; and prune shrubs and trees to AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees, as required.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of pruning shrubs and small trees while working from the ground.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify pruning requirements

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

1.2. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used according to procedures.

1.3. Pruning tools and equipment are appropriate to the location, access and size of material to be pruned.

1.4. Plants that require pruning are identified according to the pruning program and directions.

1.5. Pruning method to be used is confirmed by the supervisor.

2. Undertake pruning of shrubs and small trees

2.1. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on pruning tools and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and documented low risk work procedures.

2.2. Machinery, equipment and tools are operated according to documented low risk work procedures.

2.3. Pruning cuts are implemented according to directions and AS 4373 Pruning of amenity trees.

2.4. Correct manual handling techniques are used when lifting or moving heavy loads.

2.5. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to enterprise work procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• recognise plants, shrubs and trees
• operate tools
• adjust fuel levels
• use appropriate tools, equipment and safety equipment
• identify and report site and tree hazards
• participate in teams and contribute to team objectives
• minimise environmental disturbance
• 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 

• principles of pruning
• effects of pruning on plant growth and habit
• plant health principles (e.g. CODIT) relevant to pruning
• AS 4373 Pruning of amenity trees
• plant names and growth habits
• basic botany and physiology
• correct and safe use and care of tools and equipment
• understanding of work procedures
• the effect of outdoor climatic conditions on pruning programs and tool selection
• awareness of potential public nature of pruning work
• use of hygienic practices.

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:

• confirm the pruning method
• prepare tools and equipment
• prune shrubs and trees to AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees, as required.

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.

Small trees may include:

• trees less than three metres in height.

Pruning may include:

• modifying the shape, form, vigour, correction or control of growth
• prevention of disease or damage
• promotion of health
• modifying the canopy and fruit and flower production
• providing ornamental effects or aesthetic appeal
• providing clearance for services, access or cultural practices.

Unit sector 

Parks and gardens

Co-requisite units 

Competency field