List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has used reference materials to identify and selectten trees for three distinctly different sites (a total of 30 trees), taking into account the following:
geographical location on the site
taxonomic characteristics
edaphic and environmental preferences
limitations of the tree for the site
rationale for tree selection
There must also be evidence that the individual has compiled and updated a database for at least 50 tree species, from the taxonomic groups of angiosperms (dicotyledons and woody monocotyledons) and gymnosperms with the following details:
botanical and common name
general size characteristics
canopy characteristics
distinguishing features
general cultural requirements
There must also be evidence that the individual has:
consulted with client and developed a tree selection brief for the size and type of the site, including:
identified site conditions and constraints
identified limitations for tree selection
determined functional life expectancy of site and plantings
assessed tree characteristics suitable for site and client requirements
assessed and determined the suitability of trees for site
evaluated performance of trees common to a local region for suitability for planting site
assessed the root zone profile for the tree planting site, including:
estimated the available root zone profile
verified the root zone profile is proportionate for proposed tree dimensions
assessed the hydrological and environmental conditions on tree selection
tested root zone profiles for characteristics to aid tree selection for at least 5 distinct root zone profiles, including: 3 natural soils, 1 soil mix and 1 growing media. The tests must include:
field texture assessment
structure
compaction
bulk density
organic content
pH and electrical conductivity
infiltration rate and drainage
moisture holding capacity
prepared specifications for tree selection according to industry standards including:
planting method appropriate to the species and the site
soil or media amendments from test results
investigated the availability of potential tree stock and verified size and quantities against selection criteria and client brief
checked and recorded quality and quantity of trees and root zone profile materials on site for quality and quantities according to specifications
produced a report of the identification, selection and specification process and incorporated the correlated records and presented report according to client brief.
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
principles of consulting with clients and use and purpose of client brief
legislative and regulatory requirements regarding tree selection, including:
environmental and ecological implications
declared and other weed restrictions
hazardous tree species
assessing site characteristics for tree selection, including:
functional life expectancy of tree and site
tree functionality for specified locations
appropriateness of tree selection characteristics for site aspect and dimensions
effect of site constraints on the tree selection process, including:
verge width
aerial power and telecommunications lines
potential to impede visual references (roads and driveways, signage, traffic lights)
potential to impede traffic flow and structures (footpaths, roadways, building, infrastructure)
use of research techniques from reference materials, including:
plant taxonomic keys
electronic data
plant guides
broad botanical concepts of tree selection for the following:
ethnobotany
tree morphology
tree physiology
taxonomy and nomenclature
environmental conditions for the functional characteristics of the tree
basic calculations for estimating planting area and root zone profile
root zone profile and characteristics as a determinant for tree selection, including:
type of root zone profile (natural soil, soil mix or growing media)
size and volume of root zone profile and proportion to the mature size of tree
site hydrology
specifying soils and growing media, including standards to apply
testing and evaluating soils, soil mixes and growing media for physical and chemical properties and suitability for growing trees, including:
identifying soils and soil types
testing for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrients
testing for wettability, moisture holding capacity, drainage, organic matter
amendments to improve soil, soil mix and growth media
growing media or soil selection and suitability for purpose
tree selection methodology using quality criteria of suitability for purpose, including:
evaluation of trees common to a region
documenting and rationale for tree selection
selection of trees based on form and function
selection of trees for ecological and environmental purposes
recommendations of trees
matching species and cultivars appropriately to the selection criteria
transplanting issues for mature trees
documenting tree specifications, including:
quality standards for tree stock
tree stock selection, type and size of plant, container or root ball
tree stock selection and growing media quality and specifications
tree planting specifications
quality control and quality assurance, including:
checking procedures for deliveries of plants and growing materials with the specifications
how to monitor quality and apply quality controls
tree structural quality
recording quality checks on delivered plants and products
impact of Australian Standards AS2303, AS2223 and AS3743 on growing media and quality assurance
design and construction of plant databases, including:
field design for taxonomy and nomenclature
field design for characteristics of tree
entry of tree data
reports and reporting procedures for identification, selection and specification process.