Major Work Activity B - Uses horticultural principles

Table of Contents

• Task B-7 Applies horticultural practices
  • B-7.01 Practices plant science
  • B-7.02 Identifies plants
  • B-7.03 Manages plant health, soil and growing conditions
  • B-7.04 Prunes plant material
  • B-7.05 Propagates plant material
  • B-7.06 Manages pests, diseases and invasive species
• Task B-8 Applies environmental practices
  • B-8.01 Practices environmental stewardship
  • B-8.02 Practices biodiversity enhancement
  • B-8.03 Practices soil stewardship
  • B-8.04 Practices water stewardship
  • B-8.05 Practices fire safety and prevention in landscaping

Task B-7 Applies horticultural practices

Task Descriptor

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

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

plant types: coniferous trees, coniferous shrubs, deciduous trees, deciduous shrubs, herbaceous, woody, broad leaf evergreen, turfgrass, vines, weeds, annuals, perennials, biennials, edibles, native, non-native, invasive species

plant characteristics: form, foliage and foliage pattern, stems and bark, bud, fruit, flower, seeds, size, colour, plant life cycle, growth pattern and habits, root type, hardiness

cultural requirements of plants: light, moisture, soil type, hardiness, nutrients, tolerance (salt, wind, drought), temperature range, provenance

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

factors: temperature, growing medium, air quality (carbon dioxide, oxygen, humidity), light, water, pests and disease, environmental stresses, symbiotic relationships, companion planting, competition between plants

plant anatomy: cell types, tissues, organs

plant characteristics: form, foliage and foliage pattern, stems and bark, bud, fruit, flower, seeds, size, colour, plant life cycle, growth pattern and habits, root type, hardiness

biological processes: reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, hormonal communication, dormancy, compartmentalization of decay in trees (CODIT)

basic plant science: physiology, morphology, anatomy

cultural requirements of plants: light, moisture, soil type, hardiness, nutrients, tolerance (salt, wind, drought), temperature range, provenance

plant types: coniferous trees, coniferous shrubs, deciduous trees, deciduous shrubs, herbaceous, woody, broad leaf evergreen, turfgrass, vines, weeds, annuals, perennials, biennials, edibles, native, non-native, invasive species

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

plant characteristics: form, foliage and foliage pattern, stems and bark, bud, fruit, flower, seeds, size, colour, plant life cycle, growth pattern and habits, root type, hardiness

reference material: regional identification keys, supplier catalogues, plant databases, apps, books

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

plant identification: family, genus, species, variety/cultivar

plant characteristics: form, foliage and foliage pattern, stems and bark, bud, fruit, flower, seeds, size, colour, plant life cycle, growth pattern and habits, root type, hardiness

specific uses: residential applications, commercial applications, reclamation/restoration, location, environment, medicinal, indigenous

plant types: coniferous trees, coniferous shrubs, deciduous trees, deciduous shrubs, herbaceous, woody, broad leaf evergreen, turfgrass, vines, weeds, annuals, perennials, biennials, edibles, native, non-native, invasive species

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

growing media: native soil, soilless medium, manufactured soil, compost

environmental conditions: light, wind, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, moisture, reflective heat load

biotic factors: diseases, insects, animals

abiotic factors: temperature, light, mechanical damage, nutrition, chemical injury

properties (of growing media): texture, structure, drainage capacity, pH, nutrients, organic matter, pore space, bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), contaminants

growing conditions: microclimate, topography, natural habitat, pH level, soil type and depth, growing environment, water availability, available space, humidity, shelter, light, plant hardiness zone

corrective measures: fertilization, liming, adding organics, neutralizing water, correcting drainage

fertilizer, other amendments and biostimulants: foliar feed, injection, liquid and granular applications, compost, mycorrhizae, humic acid, beneficial bacteria

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

growing media: native soil, soilless medium, manufactured soil, compost

properties (of growing media): texture, structure, drainage capacity, pH, nutrients, organic matter, pore space, bulk density, EC, contaminants

physical soil characteristics: soil formation, drainage, aeration/porosity, water retention, compaction, soil texture/structure

soil characteristics that impact soil chemical and biological properties: nutrient availability, chemical composition (soil acidity/alkalinity, soil salinity, cation exchange capacity), organic matter, biological activity, texture, structure

types of soil amendments: organic, inorganic

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

pruning objectives: providing clearance, reducing shade, managing dynamic and static loads, maintaining health, influencing flower or fruit production, improving view, improving aesthetics, training structure

pruning methods: cleaning, thinning, raising, reduction, restoration/rejuvenation, shearing, heading, specialty pruning (e.g., espaliers, pollarding)

pruning cuts: thinning, reducing, heading, three-cut method

factors (for pruning methods and cuts): plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, maturity, time of year, type of plant material

tools and equipment: hedge trimmers, shears, saws, secateurs, pole pruners, loppers

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

tools and equipment: hedge trimmers, shears, saws, secateurs, pole pruners, loppers

pruning objectives: providing clearance, reducing shade, managing dynamic and static loads, maintaining health, influencing flower or fruit production, improving view, improving aesthetics, training structure

pruning methods: cleaning, thinning, raising, reduction, restoration/rejuvenation, shearing, heading, specialty pruning (e.g., espaliers, pollarding)

pruning cuts: thinning, reducing, heading, three-cut method

factors that affect pruning times: dormancy, flower period, growth response, wind and frost damage, scorch, disease life cycle, wildlife nesting

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

underground storage organs: rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, corms, tuberous roots

considerations: type of plant, vigor, health, timing, true to type

propagation methods: layering, dividing, cutting, seeding, grafting, budding

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

underground storage organs: rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, corms, tuberous roots

methods (for propagation): layering, dividing, cutting, seeding, grafting, budding

considerations: type of plant, vigor, health, timing, true to type

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

damage: leaf disfiguration, notching, stippling, discoloration, frost cracking, sunscald

resources: online publications, laboratories, microscopes

factors: types of pests, diseases and environment that minimizes negative impact on native or existing ecosystem; jurisdictional regulations

prevention strategies: rotating crops, selecting pest-resistant varieties and cultural methods, supporting and encouraging native ecosystem, physical observation

management and treatment methods: regulatory, physical/mechanical, cultural, biological, chemical

quarantine protocols: early detection and eradication; restricting movement of plant parts or soil; sanitation practices for vehicles, attachments and tools; import/export restrictions; containment or destruction of contaminated materials

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

considerations: pest/disease populations, injury levels, action thresholds, beneficial insect pest populations, abiotic factors

management and treatment methods: regulatory, physical/mechanical, cultural, biological, chemical

common types of pests: arthropods, nematodes, birds and mammals, weeds, invasive plants

common types of diseases, disorders and damage: blight, leaf spot, scab, gall, rust, canker, bacterial wilts, fungi, rot and mildew, bacterial and fungal turfgrass diseases, animals

causes of diseases: pathogens, nematodes, nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress, viruses

pathogens: viruses, bacteria, fungi

biotic factors: diseases, insects, weeds, animals

abiotic factors: temperature, light, mechanical damage, nutrition, salt, chlorine

factors for selecting and applying pest and disease management measures: site analysis, pest/disease populations, injury levels, action thresholds, monitoring techniques

procedures used to implement pest and disease management measures: management techniques, preparation, equipment selection, equipment calibration, application techniques

documentation: pest and disease monitoring, treatment and management records, evaluation of pest and disease management methods, pesticide application records

Task B-8 Applies environmental practices

Task Descriptor

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

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

horticultural and landscaping materials: plants, paving and natural stones, aggregate, wood, metal, mulch, soil, lighting and irrigation components, drainage components

negative impacts on environment: compaction, emissions, noise pollution, contamination of water, soil and other habitats

tools and equipment: mulching mowers, aerators, equipment that uses rechargeable batteries, hybrid and energy-efficient engines, sharp mowing blades

ecosystems: meadows, ponds, parks, urban landscape, grasslands, tundra, wetlands

eco-methods: mulching, composting, chipping, recycling leaves

elements: native plants, natural materials found on site, locally sourced materials, bioswales, raingardens, natural stormwater management, wildlife habitat structures

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

ecosystems: meadows, ponds, parks, urban landscape, grasslands, tundra, wetlands

environmental waste management best practices: reduce, reuse, recycle, conservation, preservation, design for low impact

site protection: silt fencing, erosion control, amending native soil, compaction control, leaving materials (e.g. leaves, clippings, healthy garden debris) to decompose naturally, adjusting mowing height

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

environmental conditions: soil type, light, pH, humidity and moisture availability, wind, exposure, native habitat

bio-diverse enhancement strategies: selecting plants that attract pollinators and wildlife, ensuring inter-relationships in nature, creating or maintaining wetlands, changing maintenance practices to preserve habitat by cleaning up in spring, creating habitat and structures, encouraging moss growth

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

benefits of plants: climate change mitigation, carbon capturing, symbiotic relationships

bio-diverse enhancement strategies: selecting plants that attract pollinators and wildlife, ensuring inter-relationships in nature, creating or maintaining wetlands, changing maintenance practices to preserve habitat by cleaning up in spring, creating habitat and structures, encouraging moss growth

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

soil stewardship methods: no-till, natural decomposition, cut and fill, appropriate use of plant health products, increasing organic matter input, lasagna gardening, compaction prevention, covering soil for erosion control

growing media: native soil, soilless media, manufactured soil, compost, mineral soil (sand, silt, clay)

conditions: texture, moisture levels, porosity, soil microbiome

test methods: visual, ribbon tests, probes

soil testing: pH, nutrient levels, microbial levels, organic content, contaminants, permeability

environmental impact on soils: compaction, depletion of organic matter, destruction of soil structure, damage to soil microbiome, hardpan, erosion, introduction of invasive species, diseases and pests, damage to root systems

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

growing media: native soil, soilless media, manufactured soil, compost, mineral soil (sand, silt, clay)

soil stewardship methods: no-till, natural decomposition, cut and fill, appropriate use of plant health products, increasing organic matter input, lasagna gardening, compaction prevention, covering soil for erosion control

types of soil amendments and fertilizers: organic, inorganic

soil organisms: bacteria, beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae), worms, centipedes, viruses, nematodes, planaria, protozoa, mites, ground beetles, rove beetles, pill bugs

environmental reasons: sequestering carbon; minimizing spread of pests, diseases and invasive species; minimizing damage to soil structure; reducing inputs and outputs

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

low impact development (LID) practices: rain barrels, infiltration trenches, bioswales, bioretention cells, rain gardens, green roofing, smart irrigation, xeriscaping, permeable surfacing, water harvesting systems, downspout disconnect, stormwater ponds, retention ponds, detention ponds

testing: pH, contaminants, nutrient levels, microbial levels

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

elements of water stewardship: protection of endangered species, lot level storm water management, water conservation/recycling, source quality and recovery rates, rainwater harvesting, pollution prevention, infiltration promotion, riparian maintenance and restoration, plant selection

LID practices: rain barrels, infiltration trenches, bioswales, bioretention cells, rain gardens, green roofing, smart irrigation, xeriscaping, permeable surfacing, water harvesting systems, downspout disconnect, stormwater ponds, retention ponds, detention ponds

erosion control methods: cover cropping, silt fencing, mulching, groundcovers, bales, erosion control mats, gabion baskets

benefits of preserving urban forest tree canopy: provide shade, maintain leaf surface to slow water infiltration into soil, minimize flooding

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

fire-risk zones: zone 0 - immediate (ember-resistant) is 0 to 5 feet (1.5 m) from buildings and decks; zone 1 - intermediate (lean, clean and green zone) is 5-30 feet (1.5-10 m) from buildings and structures; zone 2 - extended (reduce fuel zone) is 30-100 feet (10-30 m) from buildings

fire-resistant characteristics: moist and supple leaves, little dead wood and tendency not to accumulate dead material, low amount of resin material in sap, non-peeling bark, dense and moist root structure

strategies to raise humidity of micro-climate in landscapes: installing water features, installing and maintaining turfgrass, maintaining a canopy for shade, installing shade structures and windbreaks, preserving soil moisture, installing irrigation

fire-resistant mulches: rocks, pebbles, gravel, shale, stone, lava rock, recycled glass, bricks, concrete, slag

fire prevention practices: selection of fire-resistant products and materials, removal of combustible materials from zones 0 and 1, good maintenance of flammable structures, removal of plant materials that are high fire risk, preparation of pre-configured sprinkler systems and hoses for use of emergency workers

Range of Variables (include, but not limited to)

fire prevention practices: selection of fire-resistant products and materials, removal of combustible materials from zones 0 and 1, good maintenance of flammable structures, removal of plant materials that are high fire risk, preparation of pre-configured sprinkler systems and hoses for use of emergency workers

fire-resistant characteristics: moist and supple leaves, little dead wood and tendency not to accumulate dead material, low amount of resin material in sap, non-peeling bark, dense and moist root structure

characteristics of highly flammable plants: fine, dry or dead material within plant; plant stem, branches and leaves contain volatile waxes, terpenes or oil; aromatic leaves; gummy and resinous sap; loose papery bark; softscape design that is too dense; shallow root profile

fire-resistant mulches: rocks, pebbles, gravel, shale, stone, lava rock, recycled glass, bricks, concrete, slag

fire-risk zones: zone 0 - immediate (ember-resistant) is 0 to 5 feet (1.5 m) from buildings and decks; zone 1 - intermediate (lean, clean and green zone) is 5-30 feet (1.5-10 m) from buildings and structures; zone 2 - extended (reduce fuel zone) is 30-100 feet (10-30 m) from buildings

strategies to raise humidity of micro-climate in landscapes: installing water features, installing and maintaining turfgrass, maintaining a canopy for shade, installing shade structures and windbreaks, preserving soil moisture, installing irrigation

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