2775 version 6
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Prune mature amenity trees
Level
4
Credits
10
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: identify the tree form and
features to be emphasised, and describe pruning; prune mature amenity
trees with hand tools while above ground; use a chainsaw to carry out above
the ground pruning operations.
Subfield
Horticulture
Domain
Arboriculture
Status
Registered
Status date
11 December 2009
Date version published
11 December 2009
Planned review date
31 December 2014
Entry information
Prerequisites: Unit 6916, Demonstrate knowledge of the
Approved Code of Practice relating to chainsaw use;
Unit 6917, Operate a chainsaw; Unit 6400, Manage first
aid in emergency situations; Unit 6401, Provide first aid;
and Unit 6402 Provide resuscitation level 2; Unit 2774,
Climb and branch walk difficult trees or Unit 17259,
Operate an elevated platform vehicle for arboriculture; or
demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Recommended: Unit 2768, Prune young amenity trees
and shrubs.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA, industry
and teaching professional in the same field from another
provider.
Standard setting body (SSB)
Primary Industry Training Organisation
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0032
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
2775 version 6
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Special notes
1
Relevant reference material
The Codes of Practice are: Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Tree
Work – Part 1 – Arboriculture (1994);
Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Tree Work – Part 2 –
Maintenance of Trees Around Power Lines (1996);
Approved Code of Practice for Power-Operated Elevated Work Platforms (1995);
Guide for Safety with Underground Services (2002); and their subsequent
amendments, they are available from regional offices of the Department of Labour,
Occupational Safety and Health Service, or the website http://www.dol.govt.nz.
The Standards are: BS 3998:1989 Recommendations for tree work; available from
http://www.standardsuk.com;
ANSI Z133.1-2006 Safety Requirements;
ANSI A300 Standards for Tree Care Operations (Parts 1 – 7) and their subsequent
amendments, available from the website: http://www.isa-arbor.com.
2
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes – Health and Safety in Employment
Act 1992, Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995; and their subsequent
amendments.
3
Definitions
A mature tree is approaching its full growth potential and is mature in form.
Workplace procedures refer to oral or written instructions to staff on procedures for
the worksite and equipment.
4
It is intended that mature amenity trees be climbed in accordance with workplace
procedures to carry out the pruning activities, and that pruning is carried out at a
minimum of 2 metres above ground.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Identify the tree form and features to be emphasised, and describe pruning.
Performance criteria
1.1
The tree form to be produced is identified in terms of pruning objectives.
Range
1.2
form – columnar, conical, decurrent, diffuse, excurrent, fastigiate,
horizontal, irregular, weeping;
objectives – crown reduction, crown lifting, crown thinning, dead
and diseased wood removal, form pruning.
How trees can be enhanced by pruning is explained in terms of their features
and client requirements.
Range
features may include but are not limited to – arrangement of limbs,
bole or trunk; features of the species, flowering, fruiting, future
safety, health, shape, silhouette, site specific requirements or
characteristics, timber.
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1.3
The three step cuts are described in terms of order, placement and function in
reducing branch end weight.
1.4
Target pruning is described in terms of the location of the final pruning cut.
1.5
Hazards involved in the work are identified, and controlled to enable work to be
completed in accordance with the requirements of Health and Safety legislation
and workplace procedures.
Element 2
Prune mature amenity trees with hand tools while above ground.
Range
pruning may include but is not limited to – crown reduction, crown lifting, crown
thinning, deadwooding, formative or restoration pruning, removal of damaged
branches and stems;
hand tools may include but are not limited to – handsaw, pole prunner, loppers,
secateurs, pole saw.
Performance criteria
2.1
Working techniques and progression are discussed with ground staff in
accordance with the Codes of Practice and workplace procedures.
2.2
Tree is accessed in accordance with the Codes of Practice and workplace
procedures.
2.3
Pruning is carried out in accordance with the Standards and workplace
procedures.
Element 3
Prune mature amenity trees with a chainsaw while above ground.
Range
may include but is not limited to – crown reduction, crown lifting, crown thinning,
deadwooding, formative or restoration pruning, removal of damaged branches
and stems.
Performance criteria
3.1
Chainsaw is selected in accordance with workplace procedures.
3.2
Chainsaw is prepared for use in accordance with workplace procedures and
industry guidelines.
3.3
Chainsaw is started and used to carry out pruning above ground in accordance
with workplace procedures and industry guidelines.
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Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation http://www.primaryito.ac.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016