Block C – Landscape Construction

Trends

The use of technologies such as light emitting diode (LED) landscape fixtures and GPS is becoming more prevalent. This increases the training necessary for landscape horticulturists to perform their tasks.

Safety concerns on the construction site are leading to increased commitments to legislated safety programs and best practices. Increased awareness of the environmental benefits of sustainable landscape is changing the training, certification and practices of the industry. The use of new turf seed cultivars, pest-resistance plants and IPM practices is becoming more popular. Implementing water management, infiltration and erosion control measures is becoming more important.

Structural soils which support load and plant growth are being created and used more frequently.

Outdoor living space features such as fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and entertainment units are becoming more popular.

Indoor plants are becoming more popular due to increased awareness of health benefits.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Softscape material: growing media, mulch, turf, aquatic plants, tropical plants, bulbs, exterior plants, fertilizers, amendments, structural soils.

Hardscape materials: drainage components, irrigation components, pre-cast concrete, aggregates, manufactured stone, natural stone, lumber, mortar, geogrids, rebar, geotextiles, filter cloths, erosion mats, river rock, boulders, edging materials, recycled materials.

Structures and features: wood, metals, rails, posts, concrete, , fasteners, decorative details, composite boards, pumps, hoses, electrical conduits and wiring for low voltage lighting, water feature components, low voltage lighting components.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 7 Performs pre-construction activities.

Context

Landscape horticulturists participate in the planning of construction. They also perform pre-construction activities prior to installation. They prepare the site according to landscape drawings and specifications.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 tool use and application
• K 2 equipment use and application
• K 3 growing media structure and quality
• K 4 codes and standards
• K 5 hardscape and construction materials
• K 6 softscape materials
• K 7 surveying and measurement principles
• K 8 design principles
• K 9 site assessment principles
• K 10 jurisdictional regulations
• K 11 types of landscape drawings and specifications
• K 12 horticulture
• K 13 plant identification and nomenclature
• K 14 scope of landscape horticulturist and other trades
• K 15 productivity management
• K 16 safe work practices
• K 17 site preservation best practices such as compaction and erosion prevention and reduction
• K 18 habitat recognition and preservation
• K 19 excavation practices such as cut and fill, and trench slope
• K 20 drainage techniques
• K 21 site access requirements
• K 22 site restriction and security requirements
• K 23 environmental constraints
• K 24 equipment and tools required to perform job
• K 25 scheduling and critical path analyses

Sub-task C-7.01 Participates in basic landscape design activities.

Key Competencies

• C-7.01.01 select and use tools such as levels, GPS and measuring devices
• C-7.01.02 measure and inventory existing site conditions to provide information for the design
• C-7.01.03 apply design principles such as texture, color, form and scale
• C-7.01.04 create basic landscape drawings according to client consultation and jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-7.02 Interprets landscape drawings.

Key Competencies

• C-7.02.01 identify scale to guide site layout and job planning activities
• C-7.02.02 identify symbols such as property lines, grades and elevations, and hardscape and softscape elements to determine the scope of work
• C-7.02.03 identify project specifications such as planting plan, and softscape and hardscape details
• C-7.02.04 identify infrastructure and utilities such as gaslines, catchbasins, and water valves
• C-7.02.05 identify stakeholders on the plan such as property owners, designers and engineers for future reference

Sub-task C-7.03 Participates in job planning activities.

Key Competencies

• C-7.03.01 identify labour expertise and allocate production hours according to specifications and in consultation with project manager (designer/estimator)
• C-7.03.02 review safety requirements to ensure safe completion of the project
• C-7.03.03 locate private and public utilities to ensure safe completion of project
• C-7.03.04 verify term of project and determine sequence of job to ensure project is completed according to plan and budget
• C-7.03.05 verify materials and procedures to meet project specifications
• C-7.03.06 plan on-site staging such as environmental protection, vehicle parking, storage, portable office and toilets
• C-7.03.07 identify and schedule sub-contractors to fulfill the scope of work
• C-7.03.08 identify and schedule materials, tools, equipment and attachments to ensure availability
• C-7.03.09 identify and schedule daily and end of project clean-up

Sub-task C-7.04 Prepares construction site.

Key Competencies

• C-7.04.01 select and use hand and measuring tools such as shovels, engineer levels and transits
• C-7.04.02 select and use motorized equipment such as loaders, skid-steers and excavators
• C-7.04.03 identify and communicate discrepancies between plans and site conditions
• C-7.04.04 preserve and protect existing hardscape and softscape elements such as trees and decks according to plans and specifications
• C-7.04.05 remove hazards, debris and other unwanted materials
• C-7.04.06 create access to ensure site efficiency and security
• C-7.04.07 identify markings of underground and overhead utility hazards to avoid personal injury and damage to utilities
• C-7.04.08 interpret privately-owned and public utilities such as fibre-optics, gas lines and septic locate documents
• C-7.04.09 locate and cordon off areas to minimize environmental impact
• C-7.04.10 install environmental mitigation mechanisms such as filters, silt fencing and storm sewer guards
• C-7.04.11 lay out site by marking and staking location of hardscape and softscape elements to be installed
• C-7.04.12 excavate and place service conduits to support activities such as installing irrigation systems and low voltage wiring
• C-7.04.13 verify that site is prepared according to specifications

Sub-task C-7.05 Performs grading

Key Competencies

• C-7.05.01 select and use tools such as shovels, rakes and levels
• C-7.05.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, loaders, skid-steers and tractors
• C-7.05.03 lay out drainage elements by marking and staking grades
• C-7.05.04 strip and stockpile topsoil
• C-7.05.05 cut and fill material to establish rough grade according to drawings and specifications
• C-7.05.06 verify that site is prepared according to specifications

Task 8 Installs hardscape.

Context

Landscape horticulturists install hardscape features that comply with drawings, specifications, regulations and codes to ensure the integrity of the installation.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 tool use and application
• K 2 equipment use and application
• K 3 sub-base structure and quality
• K 4 codes and standards
• K 5 hardscape and construction materials
• K 6 softscape materials
• K 7 design principles
• K 8 jurisdictional regulations
• K 9 types of landscape drawings
• K 10 horticulture
• K 11 plant identification and nomenclature
• K 12 scope of landscape horticulturist and other trades
• K 13 productivity management
• K 14 safe work practices
• K 15 site preservation best practices such as compaction, and prevention and reduction of erosion
• K 16 excavation practices
• K 17 drainage techniques
• K 18 water quality management
• K 19 sub-irrigation and irrigation
• K 20 landscape structures such as pergolas, fences and decks
• K 21 low-voltage lighting systems
• K 22 habitat recognition and preservation
• K 23 water features such as ponds, fountains, waterfalls and streams
• K 24 green infrastructure such as green roofs, living walls, retention ponds, permeable pavers, bio-swales, storm water retention and wet land reserves
• K 25 precast concrete products such as pavers, slabs, and segmental retaining wall units (SRWs).

Sub-task C-8.01 Installs drainage systems.

Key Competencies

• C-8.01.01 ensure drainage system complies with jurisdictional regulations
• C-8.01.02 select and use tools such as shovels, picks and wheelbarrows
• C-8.01.03 select and use equipment such as excavators, trenchers, loaders and skidsteers
• C-8.01.04 excavate subsoil to required grade and depth
• C-8.01.05 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.01.06 move specified drainage system materials into desired location
• C-8.01.07 lay out and assemble drainage components
• C-8.01.08 backfill drainage system with specified materials to finished grade
• C-8.01.09 verify that installation meets specifications according to jurisdictional requirements

Sub-task C-8.02 Installs landscape structures.

Key Competencies

• C-8.02.01 select and use hand and power tools such as mitre saws, power drills and hammers
• C-8.02.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, loaders, skid-steers and attachments
• C-8.02.03 lay out and mark construction area
• C-8.02.04 excavate as required
• C-8.02.05 prepare foundation suitable for structure installation
• C-8.02.06 construct specified structure such as decks, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and gazebos
• C-8.02.07 verify that installation meets specifications
• C-8.02.08 clean structures using tools such as brooms, water and power blowers
• C-8.02.09 repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.02.10 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations
• C-8.02.11 apply preservatives, stains and sealants to provide ease of cleaning, longevity and aesthetics according to product specifications and jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.03 Installs walkway, patio, driveway and parking lot materials.

Key Competencies

• C-8.03.01 select and use tools such as shovels, picks, chisels and wheelbarrows
• C-8.03.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, plate compactors and concrete saws
• C-8.03.03 lay out and mark construction area
• C-8.03.04 excavate as specified and stabilize by compaction
• C-8.03.05 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.03.06 place geotextiles for base stability
• C-8.03.07 add aggregate base and compact in lifts according to specifications
• C-8.03.08 create or maintain adequate grade to ensure positive drainage
• C-8.03.09 secure edge restraints for finished material
• C-8.03.10 place bedding materials such as sand, limestone screening, high performance bedding materials and concrete bases
• C-8.03.11 screed bedding materials
• C-8.03.12 install materials such as flagstones, concrete, aggregates and paving stones
• C-8.03.13 measure, cut and fit materials
• C-8.03.14 clean surfaces using tools such as brooms and power blowers
• C-8.03.15 apply joint materials such as mortars, sand and polymeric sand according to product specifications
• C-8.03.16 compact surfaces
• C-8.03.17 clean and seal, according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-8.03.18 verify that installation meets specifications
• C-8.03.19 clean and repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.03.20 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.04 Installs steps and retaining walls.

Key Competencies

• C-8.04.01 select and use tools such as shovels, picks, stone chisels and wheelbarrows
• C-8.04.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, plate compactors, concrete saws and concrete mixers
• C-8.04.03 lay out and mark construction area
• C-8.04.04 excavate as specified and stabilize by compaction
• C-8.04.05 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.04.06 place geotextile materials for stability
• C-8.04.07 install aggregate base and compact in lifts according to specifications
• C-8.04.08 place bedding materials such as sand, limestone screening and concrete footing
• C-8.04.09 screed bedding materials
• C-8.04.10 build wall and steps by performing actions such as stacking and assembling courses, installing geogrid and using materials such as timber, natural stone, and manufactured stones according to drawings, specifications and jurisdictional regulations
• C-8.04.11 place drainage systems and backfill while maintaining the grade, according to specifications
• C-8.04.12 install adhesives or mortar to secure capstones and treads
• C-8.04.13 clean surfaces using tools such as brooms, power blowers and power washers
• C-8.04.14 seal steps and retaining walls according to product specifications
• C-8.04.15 verify that installation meets specifications and is ready for next phase
• C-8.04.16 repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.04.17 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.05 Installs irrigation systems.

Key Competencies

• C-8.05.01 select and use tools such as pipe cutters, crimping tools, trenching shovels and wheelbarrows
• C-8.05.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, trenchers, loaders, skid steers and attachments
• C-8.05.03 excavate or trench to required grade and depth according to specifications and jurisdictional regulations
• C-8.05.04 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.05.05 lay out and assemble irrigation components according to manufacturers’ specifications and irrigation plan
• C-8.05.06 backfill irrigation systems with specified materials to finished grade
• C-8.05.07 set head heights and nozzles of irrigation system to ensure coverage
• C-8.05.08 install and program control system according to the landscape and environmental requirements
• C-8.05.09 verify that installation is not leaking and meets specifications
• C-8.05.10 clean and repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.05.11 dispose of and recycle waste material according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.06 Installs water features.

Key Competencies

• C-8.06.01 select and use tools such as shovels, picks, chisels and wheelbarrows
• C-8.06.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, loaders and skid-steers
• C-8.06.03 lay out and mark construction area
• C-8.06.04 excavate and store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.06.05 place geotextile materials, membranes and components such as pumps, drains, valves, filtration systems and electrical conduits according to specifications
• C-8.06.06 apply adhesives, foams and mortar to secure and seal assembly
• C-8.06.07 complete assembly of water supply components, filtration systems and lighting
• C-8.06.08 add water, run water systems and check for leaks
• C-8.06.09 add aggregates and decorative features such as rocks, garden art and foot bridges according to specifications
• C-8.06.10 verify and adjust water flow for optimal performance, sound and aesthetics
• C-8.06.11 drain water and clean all components
• C-8.06.12 refill water features and add ecosystem enhancement products such as beneficial bacteria and pH amendments
• C-8.06.13 place aquatic plants
• C-8.06.14 verify that installation meets specifications
• C-8.06.15 repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.06.16 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.07 Installs low voltage landscape lighting.

Key Competencies

• C-8.07.01 select and use tools such as wire strippers, voltmeters, ladders and trenching shovels
• C-8.07.02 dig trenches to required depth
• C-8.07.03 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.07.04 lay out and assemble lighting components according to manufacturers’ specifications and lighting plan
• C-8.07.05 verify operation of the lighting system and check voltage
• C-8.07.06 position and secure lighting components into final location
• C-8.07.07 program lighting controller
• C-8.07.08 adjust fixtures for desired effects
• C-8.07.09 clean and repair damage that has occurred as a result of construction
• C-8.07.10 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-8.08 Installs green infrastructure.

Key Competencies

• C-8.08.01 select and use tools such as shovels, picks and wheelbarrows
• C-8.08.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, trenchers, lifts, loaders and skid-steers
• C-8.08.03 excavate subsoil to required grade and depth
• C-8.08.04 store or remove excavated materials
• C-8.08.05 move specified drainage system materials into desired location
• C-8.08.06 lay out and assemble green infrastructure components such as geomembranes, green roof and living wall systems, water management systems and landscape on slab
• C-8.08.07 place materials such as soil, structural and filter media to support softscape and hardscape applications
• C-8.08.08 install plants and surface materials such as permeable pavers and organic mulch
• C-8.08.09 verify that installation meets specifications
• C-8.08.10 verify structural integrity of components
• C-8.08.11 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Task 9 Installs softscape.

Context

Landscape horticulturists install softscape features that comply with plans, specifications, regulations and codes to ensure the integrity of the installation.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 tool use and application
• K 2 equipment use and application
• K 3 growing media structure and quality
• K 4 codes and standards
• K 5 hardscape and construction materials
• K 6 softscape materials
• K 7 design principles
• K 8 jurisdictional regulations
• K 9 types of landscape drawings
• K 10 horticulture
• K 11 plant identification and nomenclature
• K 12 scope of landscape horticulturist and other trades
• K 13 productivity management
• K 14 safe work practices
• K 15 site preservation best practices such as compaction and prevention and reduction of erosion
• K 16 excavation practices
• K 17 drainage techniques
• K 18 plant growing requirements
• K 19 water quality management
• K 20 interior landscape planting guidelines
• K 21 exterior landscape planting guidelines
• K 22 sub-irrigation and irrigation
• K 23 IPM
• K 24 erosion control methods and materials such as live staking, fibre blanket and coco fibre
• K 25 seed and fertilizer application rates
• K 26 seed species, variety, blends and purpose
• K 27 equipment calibration
• K 28 habitat preservation and conservation
• K 29 transplanting methods such as manual and mechanical
• K 30 plant growing requirements such as nutrients, light and water
• K 31 sampling and testing methods
• K 32 standards and quality of products
• K 33 effective product storage and requirements

Sub-task C-9.01 Installs growing media.

Key Competencies

• C-9.01.01 select and use tools such as shovels, picks, rakes and wheelbarrows
• C-9.01.02 select and use equipment such as skid-steers, loaders and excavators
• C-9.01.03 verify that drainage systems are effective and functioning
• C-9.01.04 scarify subsoil with mechanical and manual tools and equipment
• C-9.01.05 move growing media into desired location
• C-9.01.06 add growing media in lifts, and compact and irrigate as specified
• C-9.01.07 add and incorporate amendments such as fertilizers, composts and peat moss
• C-9.01.08 grade growing media by mechanical and manual raking to elevation
• C-9.01.09 verify that growing media depth and elevation meet specifications

Sub-task C-9.02 Installs exterior landscape plants.

Key Competencies

• C-9.02.01 select and use tools such as tree dollies, shovels and rakes
• C-9.02.02 select and use equipment such as excavators, and loaders and attachments
• C-9.02.03 prepare plant materials by performing activities such as removal of containers, scarifying root ball and managing nutrient balance
• C-9.02.04 monitor and maintain plant health throughout installation process
• C-9.02.05 move plant materials to desired location
• C-9.02.06 lay out plant materials as per plan
• C-9.02.07 plant, stake and guy plant materials as specified
• C-9.02.08 prune plant material that may have been damaged during the process of installation
• C-9.02.09 verify moisture content of growing media to ensure adequate irrigation
• C-9.02.10 verify that plant installation meets specifications
• C-9.02.11 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-9.03 Transplants plants.

Key Competencies

• C-9.03.01 select and use tools and equipment such as shovels, tree gantry, tree spades and axes
• C-9.03.02 verify plant is viable for transplant considering factors such as species, health and time of year
• C-9.03.03 remove plant with as large a root ball as possible considering factors such as root structure, soil condition and size
• C-9.03.04 plant according to specifications
• C-9.03.05 prune plant material that may have been damaged during the process of transplanting
• C-9.03.06 verify moisture and nutrient content of growing media to ensure plant health
• C-9.03.07 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-9.04 Installs mulch.

Key Competencies

• C-9.04.01 select and use tools such as wheelbarrows, landscape rakes and pitch forks
• C-9.04.02 select and use equipment such as loaders, skid-steers and blower trucks
• C-9.04.03 verify that area to be mulched is prepared according to specifications
• C-9.04.04 verify that mulch materials such as wood, aggregates and composts meet specifications
• C-9.04.05 apply mulch according to specifications avoiding contact with plant material
• C-9.04.06 verify that mulch installation meets specifications

Sub-task C-9.05 Installs turf from seed.

Key Competencies

• C-9.05.01 select and use tools such as rollers, landscape rakes and seed spreaders
• C-9.05.02 select and use equipment such as hydro-seeders, seed drills, and tractors and attachments
• C-9.05.03 verify seedbed is prepared according to specifications including amendments and fertilizers
• C-9.05.04 verify that seed variety selected meets specifications and jurisdictional regulations
• C-9.05.05 apply seed to prepared area according to specifications and weather conditions
• C-9.05.06 use landscape rollers to ensure seed is in direct contact with growing media
• C-9.05.07 verify that seed distribution will result in uniform turf by visual inspection and correct
• C-9.05.08 apply organic matter such as hydro mulch and straw to retain moisture and minimize seed movement as specified
• C-9.05.09 monitor turf regularly to ensure irrigation meets germination requirements

Sub-task C-9.06 Installs sod.

Key Competencies

• C-9.06.01 select and use tools such as landscape rakes and sod knives
• C-9.06.02 select and use equipment such as and tractors and attachments
• C-9.06.03 verify that area to be sodded is prepared according to specifications
• C-9.06.04 verify selected sod meets specifications
• C-9.06.05 apply fertilizers and amendments as specified
• C-9.06.06 lay sod to prepared area according to specifications
• C-9.06.07 secure sod according to slope
• C-9.06.08 use landscape rollers to ensure sod is in direct contact with growing media
• C-9.06.09 monitor sod regularly to ensure irrigation meets established requirements
• C-9.06.10 verify that sod installation meets specifications
• C-9.06.11 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-9.07 Installs erosion control materials.

Key Competencies

• C-9.07.01 select and use tools such as shovels, post pounders and knives
• C-9.07.02 select and use equipment such as augers, trenchers and loaders
• C-9.07.03 move specified erosion control material into desired location
• C-9.07.04 lay out and apply erosion control material
• C-9.07.05 secure placement of erosion control material to ensure performance
• C-9.07.06 verify that erosion control installation meets specifications
• C-9.07.07 dispose of and recycle waste materials according to jurisdictional regulations

Sub-task C-9.08 Installs interior landscape plants.

Key Competencies

• C-9.08.01 select and use tools such as tree dollies, shovels and rakes
• C-9.08.02 select and use equipment such as skid-steers and tree gantrys
• C-9.08.03 prepare plant materials by performing activities such as foliar washing, scarifying root ball and managing nutrient balance
• C-9.08.04 monitor and maintain plant health throughout installation process
• C-9.08.05 protect interior furnishings and surfaces
• C-9.08.06 move plant materials to desired location
• C-9.08.07 lay out plant materials according to drawing
• C-9.08.08 plant interior landscape plants according to specifications
• C-9.08.09 prune plant material that may have been damaged during the process of installation and acclimatization
• C-9.08.10 verify moisture content of growing media to ensure adequate irrigation
• C-9.08.11 verify that plant installation meets specifications