Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:29 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:29 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Implement a tree pruning program
Implement a tree pruning program
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB303A
AHCARB303A
State Code
D6657
D6657
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
05/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of implementing a tree pruning program and defines the standard required to conduct tree inspections, implement pruning to AS4373-2007 pruning of amenity trees as required, assess and rectify pruning quality and record work activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for tree pruning
- 1.1. Trees are visually inspected and all branches to be removed are identified according to the pruning requirements of the program.
- 1.2. Removal stages are nominated to ensure the program is undertaken without unnecessary damage to the trees.
- 1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.
- 1.4. Pruning tools and equipment are selected and prepared according to the extent of the pruning program.
- 1.5. Climbing equipment and machinery is selected, checked for damage or imperfections and prepared according to documented low risk work procedures and manufacturers specifications.
- 1.6. Identification and establishment of work exclusion zone is implemented.
2. Implement tree pruning
- 2.1. Climbing equipment and machinery is operated according to documented low risk work procedures and manufacturers' specifications.
- 2.2. Pruning cuts are implemented according to established pruning techniques and AS4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees as required.
- 2.3. Program is implemented in such a way that no damage occurs to equipment, property or personnel.
- 2.4. Site environmental concerns are adhered to in accordance with relevant legislation and/or regulations.
- 2.5. Waste material is mechanically processed according to documented guidelines and manufacturers' specifications.
- 2.6. Site is cleared and cleaned according to documented guidelines.
3. Assess pruning quality
- 3.1. Trees selected for the pruning program are visually checked to ensure that the appropriate trees have been pruned to specifications.
- 3.2. Stub length and pruned height are checked to ensure that they meet the pruning requirements of the program and AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees.
- 3.3. Any incorrect pruning is rectified to ensure the tree is able to sustain its growth, natural habit and form.
- 3.4. Completed program of pruning is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Pruning techniques may include:
cleaning out
crown lifting
crown reduction
structural integrity
crown renewal
crown thinning
dead wooding
hedging
branch
epicormic and green shoot removal.
Programs activities may include:
site inspection details
special instructions and/or conditions
OHS risks and controls
environmental considerations
pruning methods and techniques
tools, equipment and machinery requirements
access and exit details
personnel requirements
waste, organic waste and debris disposal
recycling and re-use opportunities.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Pruning techniques may include:
cleaning out
crown lifting
crown reduction
structural integrity
crown renewal
crown thinning
dead wooding
hedging
branch
epicormic and green shoot removal.
Programs activities may include:
site inspection details
special instructions and/or conditions
OHS risks and controls
environmental considerations
pruning methods and techniques
tools, equipment and machinery requirements
access and exit details
personnel requirements
waste, organic waste and debris disposal
recycling and re-use opportunities.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
conduct tree inspections
implement pruning to AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
assess and rectify pruning quality
record work activities in enterprise forms.
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 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:
conduct tree inspections
implement pruning to AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
assess and rectify pruning quality
record work activities in enterprise forms.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3325 | RTF3017A | Implement a tree pruning program | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAR61 | AHCARB303 | Perform pruning operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D474 | AHC30810 | Certificate III in Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D473 | AHC30710 | Certificate III in Horticulture | Qualification |