AHCARB502 Identify, select and specify trees

Release: 1

AHCARB502 Identify, select and specify trees

Modification History

Release	TP Version	Comment
1	AHCv1.0	Initial release

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect, identify, select and specify a range of trees for suitability for an intended purpose.

The unit has a wide range of applications in urban and regional areas for local government and legal contexts in the specification of trees in residential, commercial, public open spaces and amenity areas. The unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work, to analyse and synthesise information, and design and communicate solutions for complex problems. The role involves the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in areas such as tree identification, tree selection criteria and tree functionality.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable current versions of Australian Standards such as AS 2303, AS 2223 and AS 3743.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil.

Unit Sector

Arboriculture (ARB)

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. Determine the suitability of trees	1.1 Consult client, develop a brief and gain agreement 1.2 Undertake site inspection according to the client brief 1.3 Determine legislative requirements, regulatory requirements and requirements of Australian Standards 1.4 Determine functional life expectancy of site and plantings 1.5 Determine tree function for the precise location within the plan 1.6 Confirm that species and cultivar selection is appropriate for the aspect and site dimensions 1.7 Research trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources
2. Identify and select trees	2.1 Identify trees suitable for the intended purpose using multiple reference sources and use of taxonomic keys 2.2 Give consideration to tree morphology, physiology and ethnobotany in the identification of suitable trees 2.3 Estimate planting area dimensions for the tree species or cultivar 2.4 Confirm that soil volume is proportioned to the size of tree in consideration and assess soil for suitability as a growth medium 2.5 Consider environmental conditions including site hydrology for the functional characteristics of the tree and apply findings 2.6 Evaluate soils, soil mixes and growing media for density, organic content, nutrient status, and physical and chemical properties 2.7 Appraise a wide range of soils, soil mixes and growing media 2.8 Make recommendations for soil, soil mix and growth medium improvements by determining soil suitability for intended purpose 2.9 Evaluate trees from an extensive range of trees common in the region 2.10 Select trees in accordance with suitability for the intended purpose as quality criterion 2.11 Evaluate and document the rationale for tree selection 2.12 Recommend tree species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings 2.13 Document tree selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications
3. Specify trees	3.1 Incorporate determined criteria for size of stock selection into the specifications 3.2 Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species-specific characteristics 3.3 Evaluate selection criteria for mature trees against capability for transplanted trees 3.4 Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm the tree specification 3.5 Inspect selected plants on site for structural quality, root health and quantities according to the specifications 3.6 Inspect delivered materials, soils and growing media on site for quality assurance in accordance with the specifications 3.7 Record quality checks on delivered plants and products
4. Correlate and present a report	4.1 Compile tree selections into a database of tree specimens and characteristics based on tree taxonomy and nomenclature, and suitability characteristics 4.2 Produce a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporate the correlated records 4.3 Present the client or organisation with the report

Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

This unit is not equivalent to AHCARB502A Identify, select and specify trees.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72