Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What OHS hazards may be associated with tree transplanting?
Hazards may include overhead or underground services and utilities, solar radiation, dust, noise, through traffic, holes, moving machinery and machinery parts, blunt/sharp tools, surrounding property, fertilisers, heavy and awkward shaped trees, falling debris, slopes, water, rock, and undergrowth.

What suitable controls are likely to be implemented?
Suitable controls may include procedures for handling, transporting and storing fertilisers, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment such as hats, boots, overalls, sunscreen lotion, gloves and goggles, correct manual handling techniques, safe lifting techniques, and basic first aid training.

What legislation, local by-laws and regulations may be relevant to tree transplanting?
Legislation may include local government by-laws and government legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act, Tree preservation orders, Significant Tree registers and/or legislation, Notification orders, Australian Standards for plant and equipment and traffic control devices, and regulations governing the proximity of powerlines to trees.

What treatments are likely to be done prior to transplanting?
Treatments may include pruning, de-leafing and the application of anti-transpirants.

How might the site be prepared for transplanting activities?
Site preparation may include checking there is easy access for tools, equipment and machinery to the tree and that it can be easily moved to its new location, checking the site for power lines, telecommunication cables, water pipes, gas and sewerage services, etc., watering the tree and the area around it, removing any objects that may affect digging such as rocks, stones and other obstructions, and erecting temporary barriers and warning signs to limit the access of pedestrians and vehicles.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be used in the transplanting process?
Tools and equipment may include lifting chains, frames and clamps, cranes, trucks, tree spades, front end loaders, hand tools for digging and/or cutting parts of the tree such as spades and secateurs, watering equipment, wheel barrow or flat topped nursery trolley, hessian or sacking (also known as burlap), ropes, stakes or long pegs.

What methods are likely to be used when a tree is lifted and secured?
Lifting and securing may include lifting the tree onto material, wrapping around the root ball before lifting, sliding material under the tree before lifting, bare rooting the tree prior to lifting, using a sling to lift the tree, applying ropes to the material around the root ball, and binding the crown with twine or hessian.

What safe lifting techniques are likely to be employed?
Safe lifting techniques may include bending knees, using legs to lift (not back), and lifting simultaneously with others.

What is likely to be done when a tree is re-installed?
Re-installing may include the preparation of the planting hole, incorporation of a drainage system to ensure root system survival, modifying the soil according to cultural requirements of the species, and installing tree support devices.

What may be monitored to ensure the plant remains viable?
Monitoring may include regularly checking the stakes to ensure they do not cut into the stem of the tree, observing soil moisture levels at regular intervals over a growing season, checking the tree for pests and diseases, assessing any physical damage to the leaves or trunk of the tree, removing weeds from around the base of the tree, and applying mulch as necessary.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in implementing a tree transplanting program requires evidence that a person can prepare for tree transplanting activities, implement transplanting operations and maintain the health and viability of a tree after transplanting occurs.The skills and knowledge required to implement a tree transplanting program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different tree species, transplanting techniques and requirements, soil types and locations.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

environmental impact of tree removal and transplantation, i.e. the effect of soil disturbance and water run-off
principles and methods of operating tree moving equipment
causes of stress in trees resulting from storage and/or transportation
safety procedures and potential hazards of removing and transplanting trees
requirements for securing and signage when transporting trees on road vehicles
problems and methods relating to the aftercare of trees during their establishment period.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

monitor and minimise environmental impacts of transplanting operations
dispose of plant debris in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner
calculate tree and branch weights and sizes for safe removal
communicate with work team members to ensure implementation is carried in accordance with the identified program
bind and/or wrap root balls and crowns.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Information about specific tasks associated with the job such as transplanting methods, appropriate tools and equipment, and hazards encountered may be discussed with work colleagues. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on a particular species of tree and its transplanting requirements may need to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Activities may need to be planned and organised according to seasonal conditions. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Transplanting trees may involve working with other members of a team to safely lift, transport and re-install the tree. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be applied when estimating and calculating tree and branch weights and sizes, in particular when calculating safe working loads. (2)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied when a transplanted tree shows signs of undue stress. (2)

Using technology
Technology such as arboricultural machinery and equipment including cranes, trucks and front end loaders may be used in the removal program. (2)