Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:10 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:10 AM 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.
Assess trees
Assess trees
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB501A
AHCARB501A
State Code
D6665
D6665
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of assessing trees to make recommendations on tree health and condition and defines the standard required to consult with clients and provide a service to assess the health of trees; inspect and assess trees for general condition and diseases; diagnose and determine treatment protocols; record assessment data; assess trees for identification of defects and assess risk of harm; document data and recommendations in an assessment report; and maintain assessment data records.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine tree survey program requirements
- 1.1. Scope of survey is identified in line with client needs and statutory requirements.
- 1.2. All current data research relevant to survey requirements is identified, sourced and recorded.
- 1.3. Processes for data capture are documented.
- 1.4. Methods of recording assessment data are prepared.
- 1.5. Equipment for tree assessment is checked and prepared for use.
2. Inspect and assess trees
- 2.1. Trees are assessed to determine their identification, location, health, growth habit, structure and stability.
- 2.2. Consideration is given to the tree's age, condition, habitats, wind loading, distribution of foliage, wound size and potential impacts of proposed recommendations.
- 2.3. Tree locations are identified from a plan according to the size and extent of the project and according to common industry practice.
- 2.4. Testing equipment is used, where required, to determine age, decay, disease and scope of tree problems.
- 2.5. Individual trees are assessed and, where required, their value calculated and recorded.
- 2.6. Observed indications of disease are diagnosed and results recorded.
3. Assess risk of harm
- 3.1. Trees are assessed to determine their identification of defects.
- 3.2. Trees are assessed to determine their risk potential and suitable controls are recommended to the client or organisation.
- 3.3. Hazardous trees are assessed to determine their risk of harm.
- 3.4. Risk controls are documented and recommended to the client or organisation.
4. Compile a tree assessment report
- 4.1. Diagnosis of any tree problem relevant to the scope of survey is documented.
- 4.2. Specific recommendations of remedial action for tree problems are provided and recorded.
- 4.3. Identification of hazardous trees, recommendations for appropriate remedial actions and appropriate risk controls are recommended and documented, and applied.
- 4.4. Tree assessment report incorporates all relevant data from the survey in line with client needs.
- 4.5. Survey and assessment data are stored and maintained as part of professional practice.
- 4.6. Client is informed and advised of the content and implications of the report and a copy is presented.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree-like vegetation forms.
Assessment may include:
forensic investigation and analysis of data and observation resulting in a judgment.
Assessment reports may include:
visual tree assessments (VTA)
tree audits
development applications
health assessment
management reports
biodiversity assessments
expert witness statements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree-like vegetation forms.
Assessment may include:
forensic investigation and analysis of data and observation resulting in a judgment.
Assessment reports may include:
visual tree assessments (VTA)
tree audits
development applications
health assessment
management reports
biodiversity assessments
expert witness statements.
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:
consult with clients and provide a service to assess the health of trees
inspect and assess trees for general condition and diseases
diagnose and determine treatment protocols
record assessment data
assess trees for identification of defects and assess risk of harm
document data and recommendations in an assessment report
maintain assessment data records.
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:
consult with clients and provide a service to assess the health of trees
inspect and assess trees for general condition and diseases
diagnose and determine treatment protocols
record assessment data
assess trees for identification of defects and assess risk of harm
document data and recommendations in an assessment report
maintain assessment data records.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3295 | RTF5018A | Assess trees | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP11 | AHCARB601 | Examine and assess trees | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D517 | AHC50510 | Diploma of Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D516 | AHC50410 | Diploma of Horticulture | Qualification |
| D519 | AHC50710 | Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management | Qualification |