This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to remedy common tree problems by applying treatments including alleviating tree stress and improving soil condition, application of fertilisers and soil amelioration in consideration of the environmental implications of treatment methods, techniques and procedures.

The unit applies to individuals working in a broad range of arboriculture contexts who undertake defined routine activities under supervision. They exercise limited autonomy within established and well known parameters, providing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems.

The arboriculture industry requires that all arboriculture work is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

Legislation, regulations and by-laws relating to the treatment and removal of trees apply in some states and territories.

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has applied treatments to trees on at least one occasion according to work activity instructions for the following four situations:

control weeds

apply soil additives and ameliorants to the tree root system

apply plant-based mulch

implement soil de-compaction procedures using tools and equipment.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

confirmed target trees and treatments required with supervisor

identified site hazards, assessed risks and confirmed controls with supervisor, including:

selected, checked and used personal protective equipment

confirmed availability of first aid equipment and emergency procedures

selected, prepared, calibrated and conducted pre-operational checks on tools, equipment and machinery according to operational and biosecurity procedures

identified and prepared chemical treatments according to manufacturer label instructions

carried out cleaning and maintenance tasks on site and equipment, including disposal of unused materials and waste safely according to environmental procedures

maintained records and reported according to workplace procedures.

All arboriculture work is required to be performed according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

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:

practices and procedures for treating trees, including:

using maps for locating trees

tree recognition

site hazard and risk assessment for tree treatments, including:

methods for assessing risk

control strategies for managing risk attributed to treating trees

first aid personnel, equipment, emergency plans

personal protective equipment

common tree disorders and treatments, including:

weed plants and competition for growing conditions

nutrient disorders and the role of fertilisers

soil conditions and effect on tree growth

pests and diseases

basic control strategies for tree disorders, including:

fertiliser application methods

ameliorants and effect on pH, soil compaction and condition

mulch, moisture retention and nutrient tie down

managing the growing environment

chemical treatments

biological treatments

integrated pest control

methods of weed control

tools, equipment and machinery used in the treatment of trees, including:

soil de-compaction equipment

chemical sprayers and applicators

tree injection systems

fertiliser and ameliorant spreaders and applicators

pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery

chemicals and chemical applications, including:

interpretation and use of chemical label instructions

material safety data sheets

measurements and calculations for weighing and mixing chemicals

rates of application

dealing with chemical spills

methods of cleaning and sanitising tools and equipment, including:

methods of disease transfer

biosecurity principles and hygiene practices

calibration techniques of application equipment

chemical application techniques, usage restrictions and risk controls

environmental implications of tree treatments

waste disposal, including:

environmental protection

biosecurity and hygiene practices

records and record keeping requirements of tree treatments, including legislative and regulatory requirements.

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

living trees requiring treatments or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

tree treatment equipment, including sprayers

measuring and weighing equipment

chemical spill kit

personal protective equipment

safety signage

specifications:

workplace and manufacturer instructions for tree treatment equipment

procedures for application of treatments to trees

materials safety data sheets

product labels, including chemicals.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Arboriculture (ARB)