Horticulture Systems Standards and Skills

Skills:

1. Conduct a site analysis to inform the design process, evaluating factors such as topography, climate, and existing vegetation.
2. Utilize basic survey equipment to conduct site measurements for landscape design, including sketching dimensions, assessing topography, determining elevations, and identifying existing features to inform the landscape design layout.
3. Analyze the effects of sun, wind, moisture, and sound on the landscape.
4. Select appropriate plants based on site conditions and future use.
5. Utilize computerized design software to create professional-quality landscape designs that meet client specifications and enhance site functionality.
6. Convert site measurements into scale dimensions for accurate representation in design plans, ensuring that all elements are proportionate and visually accurate.
7. Use an Architect’s and Engineer’s scale ruler for precise calculations and to verify that scaled drawings correspond accurately to the physical site dimensions.
8. Calculate the square area of different sections of the site for planning purposes, providing essential data for material estimation and design layout.
9. Utilize industry-standard software to develop a comprehensive estimate and proposal for landscape projects, including both construction and maintenance jobs.
10. Identify and calculate all components required for an estimate, including materials, labor, equipment, subcontractor costs, disposal, and overhead, to ensure accurate project budgeting.
11. Determine appropriate markups and create a complete budget for the project.
12. Prepare and present a formal bid proposal that clearly outlines the project scope, costs, timelines, and the value of the proposed work, using professional language, visuals, and design plans to effectively communicate with stakeholders and potential clients.

Skills:

1. Identify and describe the working parts of hoisting machinery and rigging equipment used in landscaping, including cranes, skid steer loaders, front-end loaders, and rigging components such as slings and pulleys, to ensure safe operating procedures.
2. Explain the function of modern personal protective equipment (PPE) technologies, including automatic safety harnesses, smart helmets, and wearable safety technology used in landscaping operations.
3. Accurately estimate the weight of materials, such as soil, heavy stones, or construction materials, being lifted to ensure safe handling and compliance with equipment limits.
4. Conduct a site inspection to assess the surrounding environment for potential hazards, such as power lines, unstable terrain, and nearby structures, specific to landscaping tasks.
5. Inspect rigging equipment and hoisting machinery before use to ensure safety and proper operation, emphasizing machinery maintenance and proper setup.
6. Describe the cycles to failure of gear and materials in landscaping tasks, emphasizing maintenance and safety protocols for heavy machinery.
7. Utilize various rigging techniques specific to landscaping, such as securing loads for tree planting, heavy material placement, and landscape features like large boulders or stones.
8. Safely operate and maintain landscape construction equipment, including skid steer loaders, front-end loaders, and cranes, in accordance with safety standards and manufacturer’s specifications.
9. Perform basic engine maintenance on construction equipment, including checking filters, fuel levels, grease points, and making routine adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
10. Identify and explain the key components of skid steer loaders and front-end loaders, understanding their functions and maintenance needs for effective operation.
11. Communicate effectively with operators using appropriate terminology via headsets or radios during rigging and heavy equipment operations.
12. Use correct hand signals for collaborating with operators during lifts and other rigging operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
13. Follow visual instructions on posted signs to ensure safety in landscaping work zones and rigging areas.
14. Demonstrate ergonomic principles in rigging to promote safety for both operators and ground workers during landscaping and construction operations. 

Skills:

1. Read and interpret landscape site plans, identify and explain key features, such as planting areas, hardscape materials, and grading changes.
2. Utilize modern construction equipment, such as levels, transits, measuring wheels, and digital measuring tools, to ensure accuracy in the execution of the designed project.
3. Demonstrate surveying existing grades (i.e., slope or elevation of land), and recommend corrective actions if needed for landscape design, irrigation, and drainage.
4. Analyze survey data to develop a site development plan that addresses topography, drainage solutions, soil management strategies, and appropriate irrigation types, ensuring optimal conditions for landscape installation.
5. Identify current utility locations and potential hazards, ensuring safety and compliance during construction.
6. Identify and describe site preparation activities, including land clearing, grading, and excavation, focusing on proper soil preparation and drainage to establish a solid foundation for landscaping features.
7. Assess the water requirements of a landscape to ensure adequate irrigation planning and implementation.
8. Apply site drawings to calculate quantities of materials needed, e.g., soil, mulch, pavers, for landscape projects.
9. Select appropriate materials for landscaping projects by evaluating factors such as durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental sustainability, ensuring alignment with project proposal and design plans.
10. Differentiate between hardscape and softscape materials, selecting suitable options for each category, including elements like stone, pavers, plants, and soil types, to enhance the overall landscape design.
11. Identify and describe various walkway materials and systems, e.g., pavers, bluestone, natural stones, concrete, and their applications in landscape construction.
12. Apply basic math skills, including the use of fractions and decimals, to accurately measure, calculate, and cut materials such as blocks and pavers for landscape features, e.g., sidewalks, retaining walls, ensuring precise fit and alignment according to project specifications.
13. Demonstrate installation of a walkway, ensuring proper techniques and materials are used.
14. Identify, describe, and install different retaining wall materials and systems, e.g., interlocking concrete, wet stone, dry stone, and their structural benefits.
15. Identify, describe, and install various water features and systems, e.g., ponds, fountains, waterfalls, and their role in landscape design.
16. Identify the primary features of an irrigation system, understanding its components and functions.
17. Compare and contrast common types of irrigation systems, e.g., drip, impact, rotary, temporary, to determine general suitability for a site during the construction planning phase, considering layout, plant types, and project scope.
18. Evaluate how different soil types influence irrigation choices and assess the impact of hardscape features on water distribution within the landscape.

Skills:

1. Select and configure appropriate irrigation systems based on detailed analysis of components and functions, e.g., piping, emitters, sprinklers, evaluating site-specific conditions such as soil type, slope, water pressure, and plant needs.
2. Design and install irrigation systems according to plans, ensuring uniform coverage and incorporating sustainable techniques such as rainwater harvesting and xeriscaping.
3. Measure, cut, and join irrigation piping using proper tools and techniques to ensure leak-free, durable connections.
4. Compare piping materials, e.g., PVC, poly, copper, for pressure tolerance, durability, and environmental suitability.
5. Identify types of valves used in irrigation systems, and demonstrate installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures for valve assemblies and enclosures.
6. Install and maintain backflow prevention devices, e.g., pressure vacuum breakers, double-check valves, in compliance with safety regulations.
7. Apply basic hydraulic principles, including flow rate, pressure regulation, and friction loss, to irrigation system design and diagnostics.
8. Use pressure gauges and flow meters to verify system performance and diagnose issues such as inconsistent pressure or flow.
9. Differentiate between static and dynamic pressure and explain how pressure readings influence system efficiency and component selection.
10. Record and interpret flow meter readings to evaluate system performance against manufacturer specifications.
11. Use friction loss charts to select proper pipe sizes and layouts and explain how friction loss affects valve and system operation.
12. Analyze how environmental and soil factors impact irrigation performance, and troubleshoot issues such as uneven coverage, runoff, or water waste.
13. Configure and troubleshoot irrigation control systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic controllers, sensors, and valves.
14. Perform basic controller functions, including zone programming, resetting, diagnostics, and error interpretation.
15. Replace controller components as needed, following manufacturer specifications and safety guidelines.
16. Test solenoids and transformers for voltage and resistance, and match replacement parts to system specifications.
17. Determine appropriate wire types and sizes based on voltage, distance, and load; identify burial depths in compliance with electrical codes.
18. Perform field wiring tasks, including valve locating, wire tracking, splicing, and waterproof sealing using appropriate tools and materials.
19. Identify and explain the function of drip irrigation components, including tubing, filters, pressure regulators, and emitters.
20. Determine appropriate drip system layout, filtration, and pressure requirements, and perform routine maintenance and repairs.
21. Identify common irrigation system sensors, e.g., rain, freeze, soil moisture, explain their operation, and perform basic installation, maintenance, and replacement.
22. Perform seasonal and routine system maintenance, including inspection, cleaning, calibration, and controller scheduling adjustments.
23. Diagnose and repair system malfunctions, such as faulty valves, clogged emitters, broken lines, or inconsistent pressure.
24. Assess situations where hand-watering is appropriate and apply techniques that support plant health while minimizing water use. 

Skills:

1. Analyze and categorize common bulbs, e.g., daffodil, tulip, gladiola, lily of the valley, based on their growing conditions and seasonal traits, justifying their selection for specific landscape designs.
2. Evaluate various annuals, e.g., impatiens, geraniums, marigolds, for their aesthetic appeal, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements, recommending the best options for different landscape contexts.
3. Assess the growth cycles and environmental needs of key perennials, e.g., Hemerocallis, Rudbeckia, Delphinium, and determine their suitability for specific landscape installations.
4. Examine common deciduous shrubs, e.g., Forsythia, Viburnum, and Lilac, for their ornamental characteristics and ecological contributions, such as soil stabilization and wildlife support.
5. Investigate the functional and aesthetic contributions of needled evergreen shrubs, e.g., Taxus, Juniper, within various landscape settings, proposing optimal planting strategies that enhance year-round interest and provide privacy or windbreaks.
6. Compare and contrast coniferous trees, e.g., Pine, Spruce, Fir, in terms of growth habits and environmental adaptations, providing recommendations for landscape integration.
7. Evaluate the seasonal changes and growth requirements of deciduous trees, e.g., Maple, Oak, Birch, justifying their use in landscape designs.
8. Analyze the unique features and benefits of deciduous-coniferous trees, e.g., larch, dawn redwood, bald cypress, for diverse landscape applications.
9. Apply effective soil preparation strategies that enhance soil health and nutrient availability and optimize pH levels for diverse plant types considering modern techniques like soil amendments (compost, biochar) and precision soil testing to create ideal conditions for plant establishment.
10. Apply organic practices and integrate sustainable solutions such as cover cropping and no-till methods to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
11. Implement the installation of bedding plants and groundcovers, e.g., annuals, perennials, incorporating modern planting technologies, such as hydro-mulching, biodegradable planting mats, or automated irrigation systems to enhance establishment rates and reduce maintenance.
12. Plan the installation of trees and shrubs with attention to depth, spacing, and overall landscape integration, ensuring successful establishment and growth, while using native and climate-adapted species to create sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.
13. Evaluate various transplanting methods, such as B&B, bare root, containerized, rootball shrink-wrap, and soil stabilizers, to minimize transplant shock and enhance root development, based on plant types and environmental conditions.
14. Implement current industry-approved techniques for staking and guying trees, ensuring stability and proper growth.
15. Utilize proper techniques for staking and tying flowering plants, such as plant ties, cages, or trellises, assessing the impact on their growth and aesthetics.

1. Conduct ongoing maintenance for bedding plants, including tasks such as watering, fertilizing, deadheading, and pest management, promoting plant health and vibrancy.
2. Identify common signs of plant stress such as yellowing leaves, wilting, poor growth, or pest infestations, and propose innovative solutions for mitigating transplant shock and recovery, using biostimulants, adjusting watering schedules, or enhancing soil health through aeration or organic amendments.
3. Implement and maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, monitoring plant health regularly to detect early signs of pest activity.
4. Assess and adjust landscape maintenance practices based on local climate conditions, including temperature, precipitation patterns, and seasonal variations.
5. Assess the need for pruning based on factors such as plant health, aesthetics, safety, disease control, and timing, and apply techniques that promote healthy growth and maintain landscape integrity.
6. Demonstrate the proper use and maintenance of various pruning tools, including bypass pruners, anvil pruners, loppers, and hand saws to ensure optimal cutting performance and longevity.
7. Apply thinning techniques to improve plant structure, air circulation, and sunlight penetration.
8. Use restorative pruning techniques to rejuvenate overgrown, neglected, or underperforming plants.
9. Perform corrective pruning to address structural issues, such as crossing branches, weak limbs, or overcrowded growth.
10. Execute basal pruning to remove basal shoots, promoting healthy new growth and maintaining plant vitality.
11. Apply winter protection techniques, e.g., mulching, and anti-desiccants, thoughtfully evaluating their effectiveness for plant survival during harsh conditions.
12. Compare and contrast advanced pruning techniques, such as espalier, topiary, bonsai, and pollarding, evaluating their distinct applications, benefits, and limitations in landscape design, as well as their impact on aesthetic and ecological considerations.
13. Evaluate the impact of corrective pruning on plant health, structural integrity, and overall aesthetic appearance.
14. Analyze potential water runoff issues and restrictions, assessing their implications for landscape health and proposing sustainable solutions.

Skills:

1. Identify and describe the functions of various commercial mower types, including, walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, rotary mowers, reel mowers, and flail mowers.
2. Operate and maintain a commercial mower including basic engine maintenance, g., filters, fuels, grease points, and routine adjustments.
3. Perform blade maintenance, e.g., inspection for wear and defects, changing, sharpening, and balance.
4. Safely operate and maintain various models of commercial string line trimmers, adjusting settings such as string length, speed, and cutting angles for optimal performance in different landscape conditions.
5. Identify potential safety hazards associated with trimmer use, including flying debris, the risk of entanglement, operator fatigue, and improper ergonomics, and take preventive measures to ensure safe operation in compliance with industry and OSHA standards.
6. Demonstrate how to prepare a 2-cycle fuel mix at the correct ratio, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for each type of equipment, to ensure proper engine operation and prevent damage.
7. Conduct basic engine maintenance, including checking and replacing air and fuel filters, refueling, and making necessary adjustments to keep the engine running efficiently.
8. Perform basic maintenance of the trimmer’s power head, including replacing and adjusting the cutting string, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring proper functionality.
9. Identify signs of plant damage caused by improper string trimmer use, such as bark stripping, scalping, or unintended cutting of delicate plants.
10. Safely use a commercial backpack blower according to current industry and OSHA standards, including proper starting, operating, and shutting down procedures.
11. Inspect and maintain engine components, e.g., air filters, fuel system, idle, and throttle adjustments, to ensure optimal performance.
12. Identify potential risks associated with the backpack blower, such as engine overload, fuel spills, and noise exposure, and mitigate them using proper techniques and safety gear.
13. Identify and label key components of a chainsaw, e.g., bar, chain, throttle, sprocket, air filter, etc.
14. Explain kickback and reactive forces, describing how they occur, their potential dangers, and methods to prevent and manage them.
15. Explain why chaps, hard hats, ear protection, and appropriate attire, e.g., long pants and boots, are essential when using a chainsaw.
16. Demonstrate proper chainsaw operation, including the leg lock technique for stabilizing the chainsaw during starting.
17. Safely and correctly execute the ground start procedure, ensuring safe operation according to industry and OSHA standards.
18. Inspect and maintain key components of the chainsaw, including the air filter, chain, bar, sprocket, and fuel system, ensuring all parts are clean, in good working condition, and properly lubricated.
19. Identify and operate modern battery-powered power tools, such as mowers, trimmers, and blowers, discussing their advantages and challenges in terms of performance, battery life, and environmental benefits.

Skills:

1. Classify and describe the major parts of a typical turfgrass plant, including roots, shoots, leaves, and seed heads.
2. Analyze the three growth habits of turfgrasses, e.g., bunch, spreading, and stoloniferous, and their implications for turf management.
3. Evaluate factors affecting turfgrass growth, including environmental, cultural, and biological influences.
4. Distinguish between cool-season and warm-season grasses, assessing their growth patterns, characteristics, and environmental preferences.
5. Identify and assess key factors influencing turfgrass quality, such as soil health, water, light, and maintenance practices.
6. Select and implement appropriate seeding techniques, e.g., hand seeding, slice seeding, hydroseeding, and overseeding, based on turfgrass type and environmental conditions.
7. Install sod using proper techniques, ensuring correct soil preparation, placement, and watering requirements.
8. Evaluate and apply turf growth regulators and wetting agents, explaining their roles in managing turf health and water retention.
9. Analyze the effects of thatch on turfgrass health, including both beneficial and detrimental aspects, and recommend management strategies.
10. Explain watering requirements for both newly planted and established turf, adapting techniques to weather and growth stages.
11. Assess mowing requirements based on turfgrass species, growing conditions, and aesthetic or functional needs for different turf areas, e.g., golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns.
12. Identify common broadleaf and grass weeds in turf, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and other invasive species, and assess their impact on turf health.
13. Diagnose common turfgrass insects and the types of damage they cause, including grubs, chinch bugs, and others.
14. Identify common turf pathogens (fungal, bacterial, viral) and their associated damage to turfgrass.
15. Design pest management strategies, incorporating cultural, biological, and chemical controls, with consideration for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
16. Assess the impact of environmental stressors, e.g., drought, compaction, on turf quality, and identify solutions to mitigate damage.
17. Identify and operate turf application equipment, such as spreaders, hand sprayers, boom sprayers, and fertigators, demonstrating proper use and calibration.
18. Determine fertilizer requirements based on soil testing, turfgrass type, and seasonal needs, explaining nutrient cycles and deficiencies.
19. Design fertilization programs for different turf areas, including residential lawns and specialty areas such as athletic fields and golf course greens.
20. Calibrate and apply fertilizers and pesticides using sprayers and spreaders, ensuring accuracy, and minimizing environmental impact.
21. Implement sustainable turfgrass management practices, including water conservation techniques, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and the use of organic or slow-release fertilizers to minimize environmental impact and enhance turfgrass health.
22. Apply data-driven turfgrass management techniques, utilizing soil testing, turf diagnostics, and performance data to optimize maintenance practices and ensure healthy, sustainable turfgrass growth.

Skills:

1. Identify and differentiate between various types of sports fields, e.g., baseball, football, soccer, and assess the specific turfgrass requirements for each type of athletic field.
2. Evaluate and analyze turfgrass management practices for specialty areas on a golf course, including greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, and hazards and focusing on factors such as wear resistance, soil health, irrigation, growth patterns, seasonal care, and turfgrass adaptability to environmental conditions.
3. Identify and evaluate turfgrass varieties suitable for specific conditions, e.g., shade, sun, drought tolerance, on sports fields and golf courses, considering environmental adaptability, turfgrass needs, and regional climate factors.
4. Survey and design athletic fields, citing dimensions and layout for various sports, ensuring proper turfgrass selection and the incorporation of effective maintenance techniques.
5. Identify and explain the key soil requirements for USGA-standard putting greens, including the rootzone mix (sand and organic matter), soil texture (sand content), drainage capabilities, bulk density, soil pH, and the layered construction approach (subgrade, drainage, and rootzone layers).
6. Explore and describe modern technologies, such as soil sensors, moisture mapping systems, and other precision tools, used to enhance the maintenance and performance of USGA-standard putting greens.
7. Incorporate sustainable practices into turfgrass management for sports fields and golf courses, focusing on water conservation, eco-friendly pest control, and reducing chemical use to promote long-term turf health.
8. Understand and apply technology in turfgrass management, including the use of diagnostic tools, e.g., turf health sensors, soil testing equipment, data analysis, e.g., soil sensors, climate monitoring systems, and GPS-based systems for efficient irrigation, pest management, and monitoring turf health.