This unit applies to the management a tree transplanting program and is likely to be undertaken without supervision, with only general guidance on progress sought by management and/or the client.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the sites and trees

1.1. Site assessments are undertaken to identify site conditions which may impact upon transplanting activities at the lifting site and the transplant site.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls recommended.

1.3. Liaison with local authorities and information services is undertaken to determine location of services and utilities, and legislation, local by-laws and regulations governing the transplanting/transporting of trees.

1.4. Trees are assessed for viability for transplanting to ensure the best time and conditions are chosen according to tree species characteristics.

2. Determine transplanting requirements

2.1. The appropriate tools, equipment, machinery and specialist contractors are identified in accordance with the site assessment and tree species to be transplanted.

2.2. Excavation methods and root ball preparation is determined according to the characteristics of the species.

2.3. Crown reduction/protection tasks are determined according to the characteristics of the species and are planned to meet AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees.

2.4. Root ball and tree mass is calculated to determine appropriate lifting and transport requirements.

2.5. Personnel/contractor requirements are negotiated to ensure trees are prepared, lifted, transported and re-installed with minimum stress to the trees, and with regard to safety and environmental factors.

2.6. A transport route is identified with regard to the size and shape of the tree and road transport vehicle requirements.

2.7. An aftercare plan outlining monitoring frequency and methods to maintain the health and viability of the transplanted tree(s) is determined and documented in the program.

3. Document a tree transplanting program

3.1. Transplanting program is documented according to management and/or client needs.

3.2. Resources and costing details are documented and presented to management and/or the client.

3.3. Transplanting program is communicated to the relevant personnel for implementation.

3.4. Transplant operations are performed as per standard Implement a tree transplanting program.

3.5. Completed tree transplanting program is assessed to ensure that transplantation was undertaken according to the identified program and budget guidelines.

Required skills

assess tree viability

calculate root ball and tree mass and size

calculate project resources and costs and develop a budget

assess crown and root reduction requirements

accurately document a transplanting program and communicate these plans and instructions to clients and other personnel

plan the transplanting program in an environmentally sensitive manner

negotiate and manage contracts

liaise with local authorities to determine location of services and relevant legislation

assess and control risks

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

tree anatomy, physiology and biochemistry

current practices and techniques in tree preparation, lifting, transportation and replanting

methods of managing tree moving operations

tree transplanting techniques appropriate to the specific requirements of the species

causes of stress in trees resulting from resulting from transplanting, storage and transportation

requirements for securing and signing trees for road transportation

planning considerations and environmental implications of transplanting activities

aftercare management

OHS risks associated with transplanting trees

the effect of adverse climatic conditions

relevant legislation that may impact on a tree transplant program

local government tree protection and preservation regulations

AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

relevant Code of Practice.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

assess the transplant trees

assess the lifting and transplant sites

determine the transplant and transportation requirements and removal method

implement the transplanting operation

document the tree transplanting program, budget and monitoring procedures

document the contingency planning and after-care plan.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Transplanting program may include:

location and site plans

site assessment details

location of services

relevant legislation

tree characteristics

OHS risks and controls

tools

equipment and machinery requirements

transplanting methods

transportation details

aftercare requirements

personnel requirements

timeframes

budgets

environmental considerations

organic waste disposal

recycling or re-use guidelines.

Unit sector

Landscape

This unit contains employability skills.