SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct pruning activities according to industry standards 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262157  Conduct pruning activities according to industry standards 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Horticulture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Tree pruning is an important activity in tree care and maintenance in the urban context. It is a central work activity of tree workers in urban landscapes in the form of residential, business and commercial parks and other urban estates. Trees form an important feature of gardens in these settings.

This Unit Standard is for people who prune trees using appropriate equipment. Competent tree pruning persons are able to:
  • Conduct tree pruning risk assessment to develop an operational plan.
  • Use equipment for tree pruning.
  • Communicate with stakeholders during the pruning operation.
  • Conduct tree pruning activities as per operational procedures.

    Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Identify the tree structure and targeted features for pruning operations.
  • Conduct risk assessment in relation to tree pruning activities.
  • Apply knowledge of legal and environmental factors in relation to pruning operations when dealing with targeted species.
  • Brief ground staff about tree pruning operations.
  • Inspect pruning equipment for safety and functionality.
  • Use chainsaw from harness and rope to prune a tree according to industry working standards.
  • Perform tree pruning activities safely according to industry standards.
  • Advice client on outcome of tree pruning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Operating a chainsaw.
  • Basic tree climbing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Crown Reduction, Crown Lift, Dead wooding, Thinning. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify tree structure and targeted features to be emphasised for pruning operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tree features needing enhancement are identified and reasons for pruning are given in terms of their effect on the pruned tree. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tree form or shape to be produced is described and illustrated in terms of pruning objectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Columnar, conical, decurrent, diffuse, excurrent, fastigate,horizontal, irregular, weeping.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Final and major pruning cut positions are identified in order to promote callusing and minimise bark damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Final and major pruning cut positions are identified in order to promote callusing and minimise bark damage. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct risk assessment in relation to tree pruning operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Site conditions for pruning are assessed to establish possible hazards and minimize injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazard assessment of the tree to be worked on is undertaken to minimize injuries during pruning operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cavities, fungi, dead wood, broken branches, bark, cracks, nesting, insects, timber, characteristics, power lines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified hazards are communicated to ground staff and the effect of each is explained in relation to pruning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety requirements in relation to pruning are explained and agreed upon. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Risk control procedures and plans are developed in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and workplace procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply knowledge of legal and environmental factors in relation to pruning operations when dealing with targeted species. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The consequences of non-compliance are explained in accordance with industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure for dealing with applicable legal and environmental factors in pruning operations is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pruning requirements are explained in terms of operational standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Brief ground staff on tree pruning operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Details of the nature of the risk assessed is communicated to ground staff. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A risk management plan is communicated including emergency procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The structure and characteristic of the tree to be pruned is communicated in terms of possible reaction to pruning activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of weather and season to pruning is explained in terms of the reaction of particular species to pruning in given weather conditions and seasons of the year. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Individual roles and responsibilities during the pruning operation are agreed upon. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify and check pruning equipment and Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) for pruning operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is inspected for safety and functionality according to safety and operational standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of equipment refers to but is not limited to:
  • Chainsaw, rope and harness, back up equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    PPC is checked for use according to organisational standards and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    First Aid Kit is checked to ensure that it has all the required resources and complies with health and safety regulations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Use a chainsaw from harness and rope for pruning operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Final and major pruning cut positions are identified in order to promote callusing and minimise bark damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chainsaw is prepared for use in accordance with the Codes of Practice and workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chainsaw is started and used above ground in accordance with the Codes of Practice and workplace procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Perform tree pruning activities safely according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A working position is determined and achieved for pruning operation(s). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Anchor point, supplementary point, proximity to work position.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for choice of supplementary anchor points for pruning operations are given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pruning operation is carried out in a sequential order according to operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Route within tree crown is established for easy access and movement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Thinning is achieved as per desired pruning outcome. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Selection and removal of target features is explained to meet the desired form. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dead, dying, live, crossing, eaves/branches, tee crown density, size and shape.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Final pruning shape meets desired shape and quality objectives and is in accordance with contractual
    obligations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Advise client on outcome of tree pruning operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Client is advised of the shape of the pruned tree. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons are given to light prune. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons are given for over thinning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of pruning operations are explained in terms of the reaction of particular species in given weather conditions and seasons of the year. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Health and safety.
  • Legislation, Workplace procedures.
  • Tree pruning objectives and techniques.
  • Selection of correct equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to the pruning of trees with a chainsaw in a production environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • When interacting with team members and colleagues during the planning, preparation and completion of the pruning process with the chainsaw. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Oganise and manage his/her and his/her activities:
  • When demonstrating knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies in pruning.
  • When managing resources and time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • When explaining factors influencing pruning operations.
  • When standard operating procedures are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically when using special tools and equipment to prepare the chainsaw and equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When he/she can explain and justify his/her actions and procedures followed during the planning, preparation and completion of the pruning process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification mav apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65490   National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    3. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.