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 site conditions may impact on transplanting activities?
Site conditions may include available work space for machinery and equipment; size and health of tree; tree accessibility, soil condition, ground slope and general topography; existing flora and fauna, public access to the site and proximity to buildings, and utilities such as powerlines.

What tree characteristics may influence the viability and timing of transplantation?
Deciduous trees, which drop their leaves each year, become dormant and this is usually the best time for transplanting. Evergreen native trees, such as gum trees and wattles, continue to grow all year round and are often much more difficult to transplant. Conifers, such as pines, cypresses and junipers, can usually be successfully transplanted all year round.

What services and utilities may need to be located?
Services may include power (electricity), water supply, irrigation, stormwater, drainage, gas, and telecommunications cables.

What legislation, local by-laws and regulations may govern tree transplanting/ transportation?
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 and the transportation of trees.

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 recommended?
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 and transportation techniques, safe lifting techniques, and basic first aid training.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be used in the transplanting process?
Tools and equipment may include lifting chains, frames and clamps, cranes, trucks, 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 aftercare activities may be planned to maintain tree health and viability?
Aftercare activities may include weed and disease control, mulching, fertilising, watering, pruning and tree protection/securing.

What information may be contained in the transplanting program?
Transplanting program may include location and site plans, site assessment details, location of services, relevant legislation, tree characteristics, OHS risks and controls, tools, equipment and machinery requirements, transplanting methods, transportation details, aftercare requirements, personnel requirements, timeframes, budgets, and environmental considerations, organic waste disposal, and recycling or re-use guidelines.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in planning a tree transplanting program requires evidence that a person can plan a site and tree assessment, determine transplanting requirements, and document a transplanting program which incorporates aftercare activities.The skills and knowledge required to plan a tree transplanting program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different tree species, transplanting techniques 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:

planning considerations concerning environmental impact of soil disturbance and land clearance
environmental implications of transplanting activities including run off, drainage, salinity and soil erosion
current practices and techniques in tree preparation, lifting, transportation and replanting
tree transplanting techniques appropriate to the specific requirements of the species
causes of stress in trees resulting from transplanting
requirements for securing and signing trees on road vehicles
OHS risks associated with transplanting trees
the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions (e.g. rain, hail, or extreme wind), which may prevent or impede the transplanting program.

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:

plan the transplanting program in an environmentally sensitive manner
accurately document a transplanting program and communicate these plans and instructions to clients and other personnel
calculate project resources and costs and develop a budget
calculate tree mass/weight
contact local authorities to determine location of services and relevant legislation in regard to tree transplantation/transportation.

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
The communication of ideas may be applied when instructing personnel in the implementation of the transplanting program. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information from a site and tree assessment may need to be collected, analysed and organised into a tree transplanting program. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities may need to be planned and organised according to tree species requirements. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Planning a tree transplanting program may involve working with management and/or the client to successfully achieve program outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical concepts may need to be applied when calculating tree mass/weight for transportation. (3)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied if aftercare activities planned do not return the tree to normal health and vigour. (3)

Using technology
Technology may be applied when recording, storing and communicating information in relation to the transplanting program. (3)