This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise trees and their environmental and social benefits.

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.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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

There must be evidence that the individual has recognised at least a minimum of 35 different trees local to the region, and has:

confirmed the location and range of trees to recognise with supervisor

examined and recorded the characteristics of tree, including:

form, structures and local environment of tree

shape, colour and size of leaves

features of buds, branches and bark

flower type, colour and shape

features of fruit

tactile and sensory characteristics

general condition of health and vigour and signs and symptoms of tree disorders

ecological habitat for local biota

used reference materials to assist tree recognition to common name and botanical name and confirmed with work team

recognised ecological, environmental and social benefits provided by tree

informed client of tree recognition outcomes.

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:

methods of recognising trees

botanical features of trees and their morphological and sensory characteristics, including:

form, structures and local environment of tree

shape, colour and size of leaves

features of buds, branches and bark

flower type, colour and shape

features of fruit if present

use of sensory methods in tree recognition

general health and condition of trees and their indicative features for recognising tree species, including:

signs and symptoms of diseases

presence or absence of pests

other indicative disorders that assist in recognition of trees

methods of collecting and recording information and data relevant to tree recognition

methods of collecting and using botanical samples for tree recognition, including:

photographs and images

fresh or dried botanical specimens

reference materials used in the identification of tree species, including:

field guides

photographs that assist in tree recognition

basics of plant taxonomy, including:

common names

botanical name

trees and their social and environmental benefits, including:

habitat

aesthetic

functional use

food

workplace procedures and processes for communicating results to client.

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

physical conditions:

35 different trees stipulated in the performance evidence

resources, equipment and materials:

live tree specimens

specialist tools and equipment necessary for tree observations

botanical reference materials, tree databases

camera or image capture device

specifications:

workplace procedures and processes for recording tree data and preparing reports

workplace instructions

relationships:

client and supervisor.

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)