Block B – Horticultural Principles

Trends

As horticultural stewards of the environment, there is an increased awareness of the benefits and applications of blue and green infrastructure.

There is an increase in the use and benefits of native, non-invasive, edible and organically-grown plant materials and a more targeted use of pest management best practices by using IPM principles.

Due to environmental awareness and jurisdictional regulations, landscape horticulturists use materials and operate vehicles, tools and equipment that have a reduced carbon foot print.

Consumers are more conscious of their purchasing choices and impact on the environment which transforms landscape horticultural practices.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 5 Applies horticultural principles.

Context

Landscape horticulturists must identify plants and plant requirements to manage plant health, growing conditions, pests, diseases and invasive species. They apply horticultural principles to sustain and promote plant life and growing environment.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 growing media conditions
• K 2 signs and symptoms of plant stress
• K 3 mature plant structure, size and life expectancy
• K 4 tests such as pH, air quality and nutrient tests
• K 5 treatment methods
• K 6 plant requirements such as light, hardiness and moisture
• K 7 life cycle of pests and diseases and disease triangle
• K 8 pest and disease introduction and spread
• K 9 beneficial organisms such as fungi, insects and bacteria
• K 10 companion planting procedures
• K 11 basic plant science such as botany and physiology
• K 12 action and disease thresholds
• K 13 Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock (CSNS)
• K 14 IPM principles
• K 15 regional landscape standards
• K 16 jurisdictional regulations
• K 17 plant characteristics such as form, foliage and foliage pattern, stems and bark, bud, fruit, flower, size and colour
• K 18 plant classification such as coniferous trees, coniferous shrubs, deciduous trees, deciduous shrubs, herbaceous, woody, broad leaf evergreen, turfgrass, vines, weeds, annual, perennial, biennial, edible, native, non-native and invasive species
• K 19 plant key and application
• K 20 Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• K 21 plant nomenclature
• K 22 reasons for pruning such as size reduction, thinning for air circulation, removal of dead, diseased, damaged or interfering material, unwanted growth, shape and design intent
• K 23 factors that affect pruning times such as dormancy, flower period, growth response, wind and frost damage, and scorch
• K 24 pruning methods according to plant classification
• K 25 1/3 pruning rule
• K 26 pests such as plant feeding animals, weeds and insects
• K 27 diseases such as blight, leaf spot, scab, gall, rust, canker, bacterial wilts, fungi, rot and mildew, and bacterial and fungal turfgrass diseases
• K 28 causes of diseases such as pathogens, nematodes and nutrient deficiencies
• K 29 pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi
• K 30 biotic factors such as diseases and insects
• K 31 abiotic factors such as temperature, light, mechanical damages and nutrition

Sub-task B-5.01 Identifies plants and plant requirements.

Key Competencies

• B-5.01.01 inspect plants visually by examining plant classification and characteristics, and use reference material
• B-5.01.02 examine plant through touch and other senses to determine texture and unique characteristics
• B-5.01.03 determine growth habits and cultural requirements of plants such as light, moisture, soil type and nutrients to identify suitable plant location
• B-5.01.04 determine health and vigour of plants based on observed plant characteristics to establish next steps such as growing, designing, placing, installing and maintaining of plants

Sub-task B-5.02 Manages plant health and growing conditions.

Key Competencies

• B-5.02.01 determine exposure to conditions such as light, wind, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, moisture and reflective heat load based on location
• B-5.02.02 identify signs and symptoms of plant health
• B-5.02.03 collect growing media samples to determine growing media conditions
• B-5.02.04 test growing media samples and irrigation water manually or by lab analysis to identify texture, drainage capacity, pH, nutrients and contaminants
• B-5.02.05 collect foliar sample to identify plant health and determine nutrient deficiencies, diseases and pests, using reference materials and resources
• B-5.02.06 interpret lab results to determine plan of action
• B-5.02.07 determine air quality that might affect interior and exterior plants
• B-5.02.08 adjust plant selection and placement according to microclimate, topography, natural habitat, pH level, soil type, growing environment and plant hardiness zone
• B-5.02.09 develop corrective measure plan according to findings and plant requirements
• B-5.02.10 implement measures to optimize plant health and microclimates such as growing media, nutrition, temperature, light, exposure, moisture and humidity
• B-5.02.11 take corrective measures such as fertilization, liming, adding organics, neutralizing water and correcting drainage
• B-5.02.12 measure and apply fertilizer and amendments according to plant requirements such as foliar feed, injection, and liquid and granular applications
• B-5.02.13 remove and dispose of pest ridden and fallen foliage to prevent spreading of pests and diseases, according to jurisdictional regulations and horticultural best practices
• B-5.02.14 divide and space plants to ensure adequate air circulation

Sub-task B-5.03 Prunes plant material.

Key Competencies

• B-5.03.01 assess plant structure, species and environment to establish pruning plan
• B-5.03.02 select pruning methods such as shearing, heading, thinning, cleaning, canopy raising, crown balancing, reducing and restoring, according to plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, maturity, time of year, and type of plant material
• B-5.03.03 determine pruning process to maximize efficiency according to pruning plan
• B-5.03.04 select cutting technique such as 3-cut method, flush cut, according to size of limb and required equipment
• B-5.03.05 select and use tools and equipment such as hedge trimmers, shears, saws, secateurs, pruners and loppers according to task
• B-5.03.06 cut plant material to remove dead, disease, damage, interfering (DDDI) material to improve plant health, structure and to reduce size
• B-5.03.07 cut, pinch and deadhead plant material according to requirements
• B-5.03.08 dispose of pruning debris according to sanitation and jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task B-5.04 Manages pests, diseases and invasive species.

Key Competencies

• B-5.04.01 determine conditions that lead to plant stress by inspecting plants visually for signs and symptoms of plant diseases, deficiencies and environmental impacts such as discoloration, wilting, defoliation and foliar burn
• B-5.04.02 inspect plants visually for pest population and damage such as leaf disfiguration, notching and stippling
• B-5.04.03 identify pests, diseases, invasive species and beneficial insects by visually inspecting plant
• B-5.04.04 recognize and comply with jurisdictional guidelines for native plants and invasive species to determine course of action
• B-5.04.05 monitor pest populations, spread of disease and damage characteristics
• B-5.04.06 monitor biological control populations to determine efficacy and course of action
• B-5.04.07 establish injury and action thresholds according to economics, aesthetics and plant health
• B-5.04.08 select treatment and control method according to types of pests, diseases and environment and that will not negatively impact native or existing ecosystem
• B-5.04.09 identify and calibrate pesticide application equipment
• B-5.04.10 prevent pest and disease by rotating crops, selecting pest-resistant varieties and managing plant health
• B-5.04.11 prevent invasion or reinvasion of pest, diseases and invasive species by maintaining healthy growing environment, and supporting and encouraging native ecosystem
• B-5.04.12 apply treatment methods such as cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical in compliance with jurisdictional requirements
• B-5.04.13 evaluate results of treatment and review on an on-going basis
• B-5.04.14 identify quarantine protocols based on host plants, host media and predatory organisms, according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-5.04.15 store, handle and dispose of pest and disease management related products and materials
• B-5.04.16 dispose of pest and diseased plant material and invasive species, according to jurisdictional regulations

Task 6 Applies environmental practices.

Context

Landscape horticulturists, as environmental stewards, identify and apply environmental best practices to conserve, preserve, protect and reclaim natural habitats and ecosystems to sustain a healthy environment.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 environmental practices for physical elements such as water, air quality and soil
• K 2 ecosystems such as meadows, ponds, parks and urban landscape
• K 3 types of green infrastructure such as living walls, green roofs, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, storm water management, green parking, permeable pavement, bioswales, urban tree canopy and land conservation
• K 4 types of blue and grey infrastructures
• K 5 benefits of green infrastructures such as biodiversity, water conservation, erosion control, flood mitigation, climate control and air purification
• K 6 green infrastructure purpose
• K 7 jurisdictional regulations
• K 8 green field and brown field reclamation
• K 9 benefits of plants such as climate control, carbon capturing, symbiotic relationships
• K 10 xeriscape principles
• K 11 smart water technology
• K 12 value of environmental, economic and social impact of tree canopy
• K 13 fire smart practices
• K 14 natural ecosystems function, purpose and structure
• K 15 site sustainability
• K 16 landscape design and development process
• K 17 aesthetics
• K 18 due diligence
• K 19 preservation, conservation and regeneration principles and applications related to plant life, habitat and water table
• K 20 water retention and weed prevention materials such as soil, mulch, compost and plants
• K 21 water retention practices
• K 22 pest and disease introduction and spread
• K 23 life cycle of pest and diseases
• K 24 mechanical control practices such as aeration, mulching mowers and sanitizing and sharpening mowing blades
• K 25 cultural control practices such as mulching of grass, by-products of pruning and fall leaves, and adjusting mowing height
• K 26 jurisdictional regulations of disposal vehicle, equipment parts and byproducts
• K 27 environmental waste management best practices such as reduce, reuse and recycle
• K 28 surface and subsurface drainage systems and practices such as roof-top gardens, catch basins, bioswales, french drains, retention ponds and wicking beds
• K 29 filtration systems
• K 30 local sourcing of material and equipment
• K 31 site protection such as silt fencing and erosion control

Sub-task B-6.01 Practices environmental stewardship.

Key Competencies

• B-6.01.01 select and use material such as plants, paving stones and irrigation components, to reduce negative impact on environment and ecosystems
• B-6.01.02 select and use vehicles and equipment to minimize negative environmental impact such as compaction, fuel emission and noise pollution, according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-6.01.03 select native species and plant varieties that are pest resistant and suited to the environment such as soil type, light and pH, and according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-6.01.04 select conservation and preservation strategies such as plant selection, storm water management, smart water systems, water retention methods and water harvesting, according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-6.01.05 minimize introduction of diseases through plant selection
• B-6.01.06 minimize spread of disease by practicing methods such as reducing the movement and transportation of infected plant material and growing media, by sanitizing material, tools and equipment and by disposing of plant material, according to jurisdictional regulations
• B-6.01.07 select fertilizers and amendments that support plant health and minimize environmental impacts
• B-6.01.08 reduce unnecessary idling of vehicles and equipment, according to jurisdictional regulations and environmental best practices

Sub-task B-6.02 Selects green infrastructure.

Key Competencies

• B-6.02.01 determine green infrastructure needs by inspecting site-specific environmental conditions such as topography, water flow, drainage patterns, humidity, air flow, existing vegetation and growing media
• B-6.02.02 confirm factors such as drainage systems, water proofing, equipment access and other requirements
• B-6.02.03 identify benefits and applications of green infrastructure technologies that mimic nature for selection according to site requirements
• B-6.02.04 select green infrastructure technologies, methods and products taking into consideration the client’s needs, site restrictions, product availability and jurisdictional regulations