Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:01 AM AWST

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Verify pruning specifications

Verify pruning specifications

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB401
State Code
BAQ61
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to verify the application of requirements of Australian Standards to operational pruning specification within a range of arboriculture operations and industry contexts.This unit applies to individuals who supervise others and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method documentation.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards such as AS 4373.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Locate and verify the tree and site characteristics
  • 1.1 Confirm trees to be pruned and the desired outcomes for pruning works in accordance with client brief
  • 1.2 Determine location of above-and-below-ground services
  • 1.3 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
  • 1.4 Confirm identified tree species using botanical nomenclature and common names
  • 1.5 Verify location of tree using specific address, road sections, kilometre or measurement markers and fixed reference points of boundary lines, residential housing and fences
  • 1.6 Determine and document dimensions of tree recording the characteristics of the approximate height, canopy, spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)
  • 1.7 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
2. Inspect tree and determine specification standard
  • 2.1 Inspect trees and areas identified for pruning
  • 2.2 Consider tree’s health, growth habit, structure, stability and growing environment
  • 2.3 Determine age class, code, species application and clause of pruning required in accordance with current Australian Standard ‘Pruning of amenity trees’
  • 2.4 Determine compensatory tree care required to offset losses arising from pruning of live tissue
  • 2.5 Determine requirement to meet biosecurity regulations for transmission of diseases by pruning equipment and materials
3. Verify crown maintenance pruning
  • 3.1 Verify smallest diameter of dead branches to be removed
  • 3.2 Determine maximum and average diameter of live branches to be pruned
  • 3.3 Verify for selective pruning operations: identity and locations of specific branches to be cut
  • 3.4 Verify for formative pruning operations: identity and locations of specific branch
4. Verify crown modification pruning
  • 4.1 Verify for reduction pruning operations: extent of pruning best described as a percentage, and the approximate dimensions and precise nodes
  • 4.2 Verify for crown lifting operations: maximum diameter and location + maximum height (or minimum height)
  • 4.3 Verify for pollarding: dimensions of permanent structure
  • 4.4 Verify for remedial and restorative pruning: any key reference points in the tree and any key measurement and any objectives
  • 4.5 Verify for Line clearance including minimum clearance distances
5. Verify the branch location
  • 5.1 Verify branch location and identity by identification process starting with closest branch to ground labelled as branch number one
  • 5.2 Read branch pattern from the ground up, verify branch selected and verify branch label with number in sequential order
  • 5.3 Determine and document direction of branch growth by selecting North, South, East, or West and verify branch label
  • 5.4 Verify and document height of branch attachment from ground
  • 5.5 Describe structural order of branches
  • 5.6 Verify approximation of branch collar diameter at location of pruning point
  • 5.7 Use photographs to verify and confirm location of pruning cuts
6. Provide information to client and work crew
  • 6.1 Record information on pro-forma documents
  • 6.2 Confirm written pruning specifications
  • 6.3 Clarify the terminology used and extent of works with the client
  • 6.4 Document a written record of contract for the client as required
  • 6.5 Provide completed written specification to client and work crew
7. Produce a documented record of pruning works
  • 7.1 Assess pruning work performed against anticipated outcomes and record anomalies
  • 7.2 Seek feedback from client on work performed
  • 7.3 Seek feedback from work crew on clarity of specifications
  • 7.4 Record areas of improvement for future use in specifications
  • 7.5 Sign off on specified work and complete required records
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBV49 AHCARB406 Verify pruning specifications Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BCX9 AHC41916 Certificate IV in Arboriculture Qualification