Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish planting areas in new projects and in programs of extensive replacement and renovation works across a range of situations and environments.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to establish a planting area | 1.1 Identify the planting site, planting methods and plant species and cultivars from the site plan 1.2 Select appropriate materials, tools, equipment and machinery 1.3 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery 1.4 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement controls 1.5 Select and use suitable safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.6 Maintain a clean and safe work area throughout work |
2. Prepare the planting area | 2.1 Determine the layout of services, check depths against the site plan and report discrepancies to the supervisor and the relevant authority 2.2 Carry out earthworks as directed 2.3 Select and apply additives as required by site conditions 2.4 Water the planting site where required 2.5 Mark out the positions of plants on site 2.6 Remove debris and pollutants from the site and dispose of in an environmentally safe manner |
3. Undertake planting operation | 3.1 Inspect all plants for health, vigour and well-established root systems prior to being planted 3.2 Return plants with major defects to the supplier or set aside to be returned 3.3 Trim or treat plants with minor defects to maintain health and vigour 3.4 Space plants appropriately 3.5 Use planting methods that comply with the growing requirements of individual plant species and cultivars 3.6 Provide newly placed plants with post-planting care 3.7 Prune, where necessary, according to the needs of the species and cultivar to ensure plants develop a sound framework for their growth and habit |
4. Review the plant establishment works | 4.1 Review the plant establishment program as required 4.2 Identify, record and report plants incorrectly planted, or situations that will prevent plants from reaching their full potential 4.3 Take remedial action to ensure all requirements of the plant establishment program are implemented |
5. Complete establishment works | 5.1 Complete earthworks and surface finishes 5.2 Remove waste material from the planting site and dispose of in an environmentally safe manner 5.3 Clean, maintain and store equipment, tools and machinery 5.4 Record work outcomes and report to the supervisor |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
prepare to establish a planting area
interpret site plans and plant establishment specifications
measure quantities, calculate material requirements, area, volume, ratios and application rates
carry out planting operations
ensure planting methods comply with plant species and cultivar growing requirements
prune plants to ensure they develop a sound framework for their growth and habit
inspect and determine plant quality and health
record and report work outcomes
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of plant establishment
soils and soil amelioration techniques
the identification of pests and diseases, plant symptoms of infections, treatment threshold levels, recommended treatments, methods of application and environmental implications
the objectives of the plant establishment program, including finished plant forms, site appearance, end use and time constraints
the physiology of required plant species and cultivars, culture and planting procedures, including growth rates, main nutrient and water requirements, deficiency symptoms, recommended treatments and associated environmental implications
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Parks and gardens (PGD)