This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, select and specify a range of trees in a range of urban and regional applications for local government and legal contexts. It requires the documentation of specification of trees and their respective growing environment in residential, commercial, public open spaces and amenity areas.

The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture and analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others, and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.

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 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.

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

physical conditions:

a worksite requiring tree planting, or environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

computer with word processing software, and database software

digital image capture device

soil testing equipment

loupe

tree reference materials, including field guides, print and digital taxonomic keys

live tree specimens

soils, soil mixes and growing media

specifications:

workplace safety policies and procedures related to tree identification and selection

client brief and instruction for tree requirements for a specific site

Australian Standards AS2303, AS2223 and AS3743

relationships:

client.

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)