Download 240 Remove unwanted plant growth to maintain devel

Unit 240 Remove unwanted plant growth to maintain development
The different types of plant material and why it must be removed
(i) damaged plant material
This should be removed as it makes the plant look unsightly and also
may be a starting point for diseases which could damage the plant
(ii) diseased material
This needs to be removed and burned to prevent the disease spreading
further or to other plants in the area
Rose canker
(iii) weeds
These are removed as they are unsightly and complete with desirable plants for water, food and
light and can be a place for pests to hide.
(iv) plant debris
These are removed as they are unsightly and can be a place for pests to hide.
(v) non typical
This type of growth should be removed as it detracts for the look of
the plant an example of this might be reversion (where some parts
of a plant revert back to plain green colour) on a variegated plant
(vi) dead plants/plant material
These should be removed as they are unsightly and can be a place where pests and diseases can
establish.
(vii)
excessive growth
This need to be removed to keep plants to the desired
size and shape and prevent them overcrowding
surrounding plants or growing over paths etc.
(viii) badly positioned.
These need to be removed as they may spoil the look of the plant or
area or may be a nuisance to close to a drain etc.
How the following methods can be used to maintain/control plant development:
(i) trimming
This is done to control general growth on areas such as hedges.
It is suited to plants that have compact growth and small leaves.
It is used to keep plants to a predetermined shape and is done
on a regular basis.
(ii) supporting
These are used to help a plant establish (such as a tree stake) or to help a plant
stay in position (such as a supporting frame for a wall shrub) the idea of supports
is they allow the plant to establish without falling over or been affected by the
wind etc.
(iii) thinning
This is used to prevent overcrowding in areas often new planting schemes are set out with more plants
that required and as they grow they begin to suffer from overcrowding and therefore some are removed
(thinned out)
(i) spacing
Correct spacing of plants in important as too many plants in an area an area leads to competition problems
and too few plants leaves gaps for weeds to establish. The correct spacing is also important to ensure the
area is aesthetically pleasing (looks right).
(ii) irrigation
This is used to aid establishment when plants may have limited or damaged root systems and
therefore become easily stressed if water is in short supply.
(iii) growth regulators
These are used to control plant growth; they can be useful in large landscape areas to reduce the need for
maintenance operations such as trimming and pruning.
(iv) lighting and shading
The degree of light and shade a plant receives in general terms will regulate the speed of growth i.e. full
sun will encourage growth and shade will check growth. This is because the higher the light level a plant
gets the more food it can make.
(v) protection
Protection is used to aid plant establishment e.g. rabbit guards to protect young
trees or to prevent issues like vandalism e.g. tree stakes to protect trees.
Protection is also used to protect plants from issues such as cold temperatures
e.g. such as covering tender plants with a layer of straw over the winter etc.
The types of pruning equipment which may be necessary for maintaining plant development.
Pruning equipment might include
Secateurs
Pruning saws
Loppers
The methods of maintaining the equipment above ready for use.
These should be cleaned after use to avid spread of diseases i.e. blades wiped with disinfectant, crossing
points might need to be oiled or greased to ensure they operate smoothly for the user. Blades may need to
be sharped using sharpening stones and teeth set on saw blades
Resetting the teeth on a pruning saw
Current health and safety legislation, codes of practice and any additional requirements.
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) places an obligation for workers to protect themselves and
others during work operations.
The Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) places an obligation on employers to
ensure all equipment and tools are safe and fit for the work intended.
COSHH
Harm from chemicals and substances used– “The control of substances hazardous to health” requires that
all substances used at work must be assessed for any risks they might present to the workers using them.
Harmful substances might include pruning paints etc. The results of these “COSHH risk assessments”
should be made known to the worker and if the material must be used and no safer material is available
then if required protective clothing must be supplied free of charge.
Risk assessments
Propagation has a number of risks (cuts from saws etc.) and these risks must be assessed and steps taken
to reduce them (such as training in the use of tools and having a first aid kit nearby).
How environmental damage can be minimised when removing unwanted plant growth
This can be done by shredding debris to reduce their volume so they take up less space if sent to landfill
sites.
Shredding will ensure materials breakdown quicker if composted on site. Keep compost are as away from
water sources such as streams as effluent from composts can be damaging to water wildlife. Also careful
disposal of any chemicals used i.e. by a licensed contractor.
The correct methods for disposing of organic and inorganic waste.
Organic wasteThis can be composted on site and recycled
Inorganic waste
Non harmful- it might be possible to recycle it or if not dispose of in a skip for disposal
Harmful waste- must be disposed of via a licensed contractor
Why it is important to maintain plant hygiene when pruning etc. and how this is achieved
Hygiene is vital to avoid the spread of pest and diseases from one plant to another. Items such as cutting
equipment might need to be sterilised after use to prevent spread of any pests/diseases.
Some common pests that affect named species of tree
Bark beetles, e.g. on Ash, Pine
Mites (to include Oak Gall Mite and Lime Mite)
Leaf mining weevil, e.g. on Holly
Wooly Aphid, e.g. on Beech, Malus
Moths to include Oak Tortrix, Leopard and Shoot Moths
Blackfly, e.g. Cherry, Oak, Roses etc.
Leafhoppers
Some common plant diseases
Armillaria melea Honey Fungus
Erwinia amylovora
Cryptostroma corticale Sooty bark disease of sycamore
Nectria cinnabarina on Cercis siliquastrum, Malus, Pyrus
Phytophthora spp
Taphrina deformans
Some physiological disorders that affect plants
Fasciation
Constriction (compaction damage to surrounding soil from diggers etc.)
Mechanical damage (from machines etc.)
Water logging
Salt damage (from salt used to clear ice or from salt sea spray near to the cost)
Spring and Autumn Frosts
Drought
Lightning (tall trees)
Compaction (of soil around the plant)
Mineral deficiencies (lack of nutrients)