Major Work Activity B – Uses horticultural principles

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examine plant characteristics through visual, touch and other senses

plant characteristics are described

compare plant characteristics with reference material to determine classification, identification and growing requirements

plant classification, identification and growing requirements are determined using reference material

assess health and vigour of plant to determine requirements

health and vigour is identified based on observed plant characteristics and requirements are determined

assess location for suitability based on growth habits, function and cultural requirements of plants

plant location is determined based on growth habits, function and cultural requirements of plants

demonstrate knowledge of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants used for plant identification

explain the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants and its use in plant identification

interpret the use of dichotomous keys to classify plants

use plant morphology to categorize plants to the family level

use plant morphology to categorize the plants on the list to the genus and species level

demonstrate knowledge of plants, their characteristics and cultural requirements

apply principles of basic plant science

define terminology associated with plant science

identify plant characteristics

describe the cultural requirements of plants

identify considerations for the selection of plants based on specific uses

identify plant categories

explain the purpose of the Plant Hardiness Zone Map

demonstrate knowledge of plant growth and development

identify the factors which impact plant growth and development

identify plant anatomy and differences in morphology

explain the biological processes of a plant

demonstrate knowledge of plant nutrient requirements

identify plant nutrients and describe the impact of nutrient deficiencies/excess on plants and plant growth

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determine plants’ exposure to environmental conditions

plants’ exposure to environmental conditions is identified

determine factors that lead to plant stress

factors that lead to plant stress are determined by inspecting plants for signs and symptoms of plant diseases, deficiencies and environmental impacts

identify signs and symptoms of plant stress

signs and symptoms of plant stress are identified

collect growing media samples

representative media samples are collected by using various techniques according to industry practices

collect water samples

representative water samples are collected using various techniques according to industry practices

test growing media and irrigation water samples manually or by lab analysis

growing media and irrigation water sample properties are identified through sample testing

examine foliar samples to identify nutrient deficiencies, diseases and pests

plant health and nutrient deficiencies, diseases and pests are identified based on foliar samples using reference materials, resources and test results

interpret test results

plan of action is determined based on test results

identify air quality conditions that affect interior and exterior plants

air quality conditions that affect interior and exterior plants are determined

adjust plant selection and placement

plant selection and placement are adjusted according to growing conditions

develop plan for implementing corrective measures

plan for corrective measures is put in place according to findings and plant requirements

amend growing conditions to meet plant requirements

growing conditions are amended according to plant requirements

measure and apply fertilizer and amendments

fertilizer and amendments are used according to plant requirements and test results

remove and dispose of pest and disease-ridden plant parts

pest and disease-ridden plant parts are removed and disposed of to prevent spreading of pests and diseases according to jurisdictional regulations and horticultural practices

demonstrate knowledge of growing media conditions and properties

identify growing media conditions and properties

apply tests such as pH, air quality and nutrient tests

identify treatment methods

demonstrate knowledge of soil types and soil amendments

identify physical soil characteristics to consider when determining the suitability for plant growth

describe the implications of soil management on the practice of environmental stewardship

identify types of growing media and describe their characteristics and applications

identify the soil characteristics that impact soil chemical and biological properties

explain the procedures used for taking soil samples

identify types of soil tests and describe their characteristics and applications

identify types of soil amendments and describe their characteristics and applications

identify the considerations when selecting soil amendments

describe the procedures used to apply and incorporate soil amendments

describe the procedures for storing, transporting and disposing of soil, soil amendment products and packaging according to jurisdictional regulations

interpret soil test results

demonstrate knowledge of plant health

define characteristics of normal plant growth

identify signs and symptoms of plant stress

describe companion planting procedures

identify IPM principles

identify Canadian and regional landscape standards and jurisdictional regulations

demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of fertilizers

identify types of fertilizers and describe their characteristics and applications

define terminology associated with fertilizers

describe the analysis and formulation of fertilizers

identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to fertilizers and their use

describe the implications of fertilizer management on the practice of environmental stewardship

demonstrate knowledge of jurisdictional regulations pertaining to fertilizers

describe jurisdictional regulations pertaining to fertilizers

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures and equipment used for the application, handling, transport, storage and disposal of fertilizers

describe the procedures and equipment used and calibration for the application of fertilizers

describe the procedures and equipment used to store, dispose and transport fertilizers

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establish pruning objectives

pruning objectives are established by assessing plant species, structure, health and environment

select pruning types

pruning types are selected according to plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, maturity, time of year and type of plant material

sanitize tools

tools are sanitized according to industry practices

select pruning methods and required tools and equipment

pruning methods and required tools and equipment are selected according to size of limb and task

organize and dispose of pruned material

pruned material is piled with cut stems facing the same direction for efficient removal and disposed of according to sanitation and jurisdictional regulations

cut, pinch and deadhead plant material

plant material is cut, pinched and deadheaded according to industry practices and pruning objectives

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to inspect, use, maintain, store and transport pruning tools and equipment

describe the procedures used to inspect, use, maintain, store and transport pruning tools and equipment

describe procedures for cleaning and sanitizing pruning tools and equipment

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures for pruning

define terminology associated with pruning

identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to pruning

describe the purpose of pruning

describe pruning methods and techniques

identify factors that affect pruning times

describe methods to organize debris for efficient handling

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures for the disposal of diseased and infested plant parts

describe the procedures for removing plant parts and disposal of diseased and infested plant parts

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determine environmental and site conditions that lead to plant stress

conditions that lead to plant stress are determined by inspecting site

inspect plants visually

pest population and damage is inspected and identified

identify pests, diseases, invasive species and beneficial insects

pests, diseases, invasive species and beneficial insects are identified by visually inspecting plants and using resources

determine course of action for managing pests and invasive species

course of action is determined and complies with jurisdictional regulations

monitor pest populations, spread of disease and damage characteristics

pest populations, spread of disease and damage characteristics are documented

monitor biological control populations

biological control populations are documented

establish injury and action thresholds

injury and action thresholds are established according to economics, aesthetics and plant health

select treatment and control methods

treatment and control methods are selected according to types of pests, diseases and environment that minimizes negative impact on native or existing ecosystem, and jurisdictional regulations

identify and calibrate pesticide application equipment

pesticide application equipment is selected and calibrated according to required application and manufacturers' specifications

prevent infestation of pests, diseases and invasive species

infestation of pests, diseases and invasive species is prevented by using prevention strategies

apply treatment methods

treatment methods are applied in compliance with jurisdictional regulations

document the use of pest control products

use of pest control products is documented according to jurisdictional regulations

monitor results of treatment

results of treatment are monitored to evaluate efficacy

identify quarantine protocols

quarantine protocols are identified, according to jurisdictional regulations and industry practices

dispose of pest and disease-ridden plant material and invasive species

pest and disease-ridden plant material and invasive species are disposed of according to jurisdictional regulations

demonstrate knowledge of types of pests and diseases and the procedures used to manage them

define terminology associated with pest and disease management

identify the considerations for selecting and applying pest and disease management measures

define the components of an integrated pest management ( IPM) program

describe the implications of IPM on the practice of environmental stewardship

identify methods used for pest and disease management and treatment

identify common types of pests and describe their characteristics and life cycles

identify common types of diseases and disorders and describe their characteristics and life cycles

identify causes of diseases

identify pathogens

identify biotic factors

identify abiotic factors

identify the factors for selecting and applying pest and disease management measures

describe the procedures used to implement pest and disease management measures

demonstrate knowledge of jurisdictional regulations and documentation pertaining to pest and disease management

identify jurisdictional regulations pertaining to pest and disease management

describe documentation pertaining to pest and disease management

demonstrate knowledge of pest control products, formulations and application equipment

identify specific tools, equipment and products relating to pest and disease management and describe their applications and procedures for use

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to handle, transport, apply, store and dispose of pest and disease management products and tools

identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to pest and disease management

describe the procedures associated with the handling, transportation, storage and disposal of pest and disease management related products and materials

describe how to select, apply and record pest and disease management measures

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select and use sustainable horticultural and landscaping materials

horticultural and landscaping materials that minimize negative impact on environment and ecosystems are used

select and use recycled and recyclable materials

recycled and recyclable materials are used for operations when possible

select and maintain tools and equipment that minimize negative impact on environment and ecosystems

tools and equipment that minimize negative impact on environment and ecosystems are used and maintained

source local materials and equipment

materials and equipment from local sources are used when possible

select permeable surfaces and maximize green space

landscape projects are implemented to reduce impermeable surfaces and maximize green space

perform on-site recycling/composting

soil and plant parts are recycled/composted on site using eco-methods based on environmental stewardship principles

organize work flow

work flow is organized in a manner that minimizes negative impact on environment

incorporate on-site elements into naturalized green spaces

naturalized green spaces include on-site elements

demonstrate knowledge of environmental stewardship principles

define ecosystems

describe the function, purpose and structure of natural ecosystems

describe preservation, conservation and regeneration principles and applications related to plant life, habitat, water table and water quality

describe the impact of the environment and landscapes on psychosocial health

demonstrate knowledge of landscaping practices that support environmental stewardship

describe methods of increasing biodiversity and stormwater mitigation

identify environmental waste management best practices

identify site protection

identify products and practices for reducing harm and positively impacting the environment

describe practices for maximizing green space and permeable surfaces

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select plants that ensure diversity within landscapes

plants are selected based on their attractiveness to a variety of macro- and micro-organisms, pest-resistance and are suited to the environment conditions and according to jurisdictional regulations

select bio-diverse enhancement strategies

bio-diverse enhancement strategies are selected according to jurisdictional regulations

select edible plants to be included in landscapes

edible plants are used in landscape to enhance biodiversity and engage the public

create a variety of habitats to support a range of species

a variety of habitats to support a range of species are created to enhance biodiversity

select pest and disease control methods that are compatible with a variety of organisms

control methods that are compatible with a variety of organisms are selected

demonstrate knowledge of biodiversity

define biodiversity

describe the value and purpose of biodiversity

identify the jurisdictional regulations related to biodiversity

list the benefits of plants

describe the value of environmental, economic and social impact of the tree canopy

explain the inter-relationships between species

demonstrate knowledge of the practice of biodiversity

identify native species, plant varieties and organisms that ensure diversity within landscapes

identify the differences between invasive and native species

describe bio-diverse enhancement strategies

describe the purpose and procedure for including edible plants in landscapes

define a variety of habitats to support a range of species

describe pest and disease control methods that are compatible with a variety of organisms

demonstrate knowledge of including biodiversity within a landscape design and the development process

explain the benefit of and risks of not including biodiversity within a landscape design and the development process

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select soil stewardship methods

soil stewardship methods that minimize impact on native soils are selected

assess growing media composition based on conditions

growing media composition is assessed for conditions using various test methods

collect and label growing media samples, determine requirements for soil testing and send to lab

requirements for soil testing are determined, growing media samples are collected, labelled and sent to lab

interpret test results

test results are interpreted to determine requirements for growing media according to environmental practices

select and apply fertilizers and amendments

fertilizers and amendments that support plant health and minimize environmental impacts are selected and applied

cultivate soil based on situation

soil is cultivated while minimizing environmental impact on soils

demonstrate knowledge of growing media

identify types of growing media and describe their characteristics and applications

demonstrate knowledge of soil types and soil amendments

identify types of soil

identify types of soil amendments and describe their characteristics, and procedures used to apply and/or incorporate them

identify types of soil tests and describe their characteristics and applications

explain the procedures used for taking soil samples

demonstrate knowledge of interpreting test results

interpret test results

explain how to develop recommendations based on test results

demonstrate knowledge of selecting and applying fertilizers and amendments

describe the procedures used to apply and/or incorporate fertilizers and amendments

demonstrate knowledge of minimizing harm to soil structure, health and microbiome

describe the difference between good soil structure and poor soil structure

describe the impact of cultivation on the soil structure, health and microbiome

identify situations in which cultivating is required

describe how minimum tillage and other methods of cultivation minimize harm to soil structure, health and soil organisms

demonstrate knowledge of conserving soil and preserving soil health

explain the economic and environmental reasons for conserving soil and preserving soil health

describe site protection measures that minimize environmental impact

explain bulk soil storage procedures that minimize environmental impact

describe methods to prevent soil erosion and siltation

explain the reasons for using the cut and fill method

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assess site features and determine low impact development ( LID) practices

LID practices are identified

collect and label water samples, and send to lab

water samples are collected, labelled and sent to lab for testing

interpret test results

test results are interpreted to determine water quality

demonstrate knowledge of landscaping practices that support water stewardship

identify water retention and weed prevention materials

identify water retention practices

identify LID practices

describe the benefits and application of efficient irrigation systems

identify xeriscape principles

describe erosion control methods

explain methods for protecting endangered species in waterways

explain methods for preventing the spread of invasive species in waterways

explain methods to prevent pesticides, fertilizers and pollutants from reaching waterways

describe the benefits of preserving urban forest tree canopy to maintain leaf surface and promote water infiltration

describe riparian restoration

describe the benefits and use of reclaimed water systems

identify jurisdictional regulations relating to water stewardship