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Title / Select and plant plants in landscape work
Level / 3 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This unit standard is for people working, or intending to work, in landscaping. People credited with this unit standard are able to: select specimens for planting; prepare plants for planting; plant plants; and describe and apply mulches and associated covers.
Classification / Horticulture > Landscape
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1 Workplace procedures refer to verbal or written instructions to staff on procedures for the worksite and equipment.
2 Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
3 Site specification refers to documented and verbal instructions detailing climatic, soil, fertiliser and usage conditions that can be expected to prevail or be required on the site.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Select specimens for planting.
Range may include but is not limited to – trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, climbers, bulbs and aquatic water plants.
Performance criteria
1.1 Specimens are selected for characteristics defined by the site specification.
Range may include but is not limited to – health, shape, maturity.
1.2 Specimens are selected for their ability to achieve optimum growth in given site conditions.
Range climatic influences, growing medium, level of maintenance available after planting.
Outcome 2
Prepare plants for planting.
Range may include but is not limited to – trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, climbers and bulbs.
Performance criteria
2.1 Lifting and carrying techniques used to move containers of specimens are in accordance with workplace procedures to minimise the risk of personal injury or damage to the specimens.
2.2 Methods used to transport plants, trees and shrubs are in accordance with workplace procedures and do not damage specimens.
2.3 Methods used to store plants, trees and shrubs on site minimise damage from weather and site activities, and theft or vandalism.
Outcome 3
Plant plants.
Range may include but is not limited to – trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, climbers and bulbs.
Performance criteria
3.1 The planting area is prepared according to plant requirements defined in the site specification.
3.2 Hand tools and equipment selected are used in accordance with workplace procedures to achieve specified outcomes without damage to plant specimens, injury to the user, or danger to others.
Range spade, shovel, line, bedding trowel.
3.3 Specimens are removed from containers without damage, and are laid out to the requirements of the site planting plan.
3.4 Holes prepared for planting each specimen meet the requirements for that specimen in the present soil conditions.
Range shape and size to accommodate root structure, base cultivation, fertiliser.
3.5 Specimens are planted to meet criteria which encourage optimum growth.
Range criteria include – depth, firmness of fill material, undamaged.
3.6 The area around the planted specimens is finished to grade as a fine tilth without damage to the plants.
3.7 Watering is undertaken without damage to specimens, and is maintained to meet the needs of specimens in the prevailing weather conditions.
3.8 Surplus material is removed, and the site is left in a condition which enables further work to be done unimpeded in accordance with workplace procedures.
Outcome 4
Describe and apply mulches and associated covers.
Performance criteria
4.1 Types of mulches used in soft landscape work are identified and defined in terms of the characteristics of each type.
Range four types of natural mulch and two of artificial;
characteristics – water retention, weed control, fertilising, soil conditioning, effect on soil temperature, appearance.
4.2 Quantities of mulch required for a given site are calculated, and are ordered in accordance with workplace procedures.
Range sheet material by type, size, and area to be covered;
loose material by type, grade, and volume.
4.3 Methods used to apply mulches ensure that finished installation conforms to the requirements of the site specification and details stipulated by the manufacturer.
Range cover thickness, material lap and anchorage, finish at trees and shrubs.
4.4 Surplus material is removed, and site is left in a condition which enables further work to proceed unimpeded in accordance with workplace procedures.
4.5 A maintenance and replacement programme is described which ensures that the material continues to meet the requirements of the site specification.
Replacement information / This unit standard was replaced by unit standard 31074.This unit standard replaced unit standard 1022 and unit standard 1023.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment /Registration / 1 / 25 September 2006 / 31 December 2019
Review / 2 / 29 March 2018 / 31 December 2019
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0032
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Primary Industry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101558 / Ó New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018