Practical Landscape Horticulture Series

Complete Static Table of Contents with Cross-Reference Codes

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Book A: Performs Common Occupational Skills

Chapter 1 Uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment (RSOS A-1.01)
A1-1

1. Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to PPE and safety equipment
2. Select and use PPE as required for task, tools, equipment, machinery, and environment
3. Inspect, store, check PPE
4. Describe the process to check PPE inventory
5. Recognize PPE requirements for chemical handling
6. Identify fire types and extinguishing methods

Chapter 2 Maintains Safe Work Environment (A-1.02)
A2-1

1. Assess site hazards and potential risks
2. Coordinate tasks with other workers
3. Maintain worksite to avoid injuries to self and others
4. Use safety barriers when working in traffic areas
5. Participate in safety meetings and discussions
6. Report unsafe conditions to supervisor
7. Recognize safety warning signals
8. Recognize safety symbols
9. Describe considerations to coordinate with emergency response teams and other agencies
10. Describe how to mitigate the risks of workplace accidents & injuries
11. Describe WHMIS requirements
12. Handle hazardous materials in accordance with government regulations and WHMIS procedures
13. Identify relevant OHS regulations
14. Identify pertinent jurisdictional workplace safety and health regulations

Chapter 3 Uses Hand Tools (RSOS A-2.01)
A3-1

1. Select and use hand tools
2. Perform hand tool maintenance
3. Store hand tools

Chapter 4 Uses Power Tools (RSOS A-2.02)
A4-1

1. Select and use power tools motorized equipment, and attachments
2. Power tools, motorized equipment, and attachment uses
3. Perform tool, motorized equipment, and attachment maintenance
4. Store power tools

Chapter 5 Uses Measuring Equipment (RSOS A-2.03)
A5-1

1. Select and use measuring equipment
2. Store measuring equipment
3. Identify, use, store, and perform maintenance on measuring equipment

Chapter 6 Uses Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, Trailers, and Attachments (RSOS A-2.04)
A6-1

1. Safety procedures
2. Consider factors for the selection of vehicles, motorized equipment, attachments, and trailers
3. Identify basic engine systems
4. Identify basic vehicle systems and components
5. Describe the procedure to attach a trailer to a vehicle
6. Inspect vehicles, motorized equipment, attachments, and trailers
7. Operate vehicles and motorized equipment
8. Clean vehicles, motorized equipment, attachments, and trailers
9. Discuss the procedures for pre-operation check and maintenance
10. Discuss equipment maintenance and repairs
11. Describe the environmental considerations of selecting and using vehicles, motorized equipment, attachments, and trailers
12. Describe the maintenance of equipment attachments

Chapter 7 Performs Site Assessments (RSOS A-3.01)
A7-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret documentation pertaining to site assessment
3. Assess access points
4. Perform visual inspection
5. Arrange for jurisdictional underground utility locate service
6. Identify existing plants
7. Inspect site-specific environmental conditions
8. Assess landscape site soils
9. Examine soil compaction and drainage
10. Perform soil tests
11. Recognize and evaluate soil erosion
12. Identify and verify existing and proposed grading and drainage patterns
13. Identify areas to be excavated and protected
14. Describe the implications of site assessment on the practice of environmental stewardship
15. Identify security requirements
16. Assess existing site conditions for protection

Chapter 8 Uses Documentation and Reference Material (RSOS A-3.02)
A8-1

1. Reference documentation pertaining to industry standards
2. Interpret and locate local documentation
3. Use text and field books for referencing
4. Use catalogues
5. Reference additional information resources
6. Interpret symbols and abbreviations to determine the scope of work
7. Interpret project specifications
8. Read plans
9. Interpret landscape drawings and design intent
10. Reference documentation pertaining to estimating
11. Reference documentation pertaining to worker safety
12. Identify current government legislation and company policies

Chapter 9 Maintains Records (RSOS A-3.03)
A9-1

1. Describe the types of tool and equipment records
2. Describe the purpose of completing safety records
3. Describe types of work records
4. Describe examples of additional records
5. Describe types of shipping and receiving information
6. Describe the purpose of comparing packing slips with original orders

Chapter 10 Participates in Job Planning Activities (RSOS A-3.04)
A10-1

1. Identify and prioritize tasks
2. Identify labour expertise and allocate production hours
3. Organize labour, materials, tools, and equipment
4. Identify and schedule sub-contractors
5. Historical information & previous records
6. Review safety requirements
7. Locate public and private utilities
8. Verify scope of project and determine sequence of job
9. Verify materials and practices
10. Plan site-specific staging
11. Identify and schedule cleanup

Chapter 11 Orders Materials (RSOS A-3.05)
A11-1

1. Identify required materials
2. Describe the considerations when ordering materials
3. Describe the process for keeping records
4. Identify required documents to prevent delays

Chapter 12 Organizes Materials and Equipment (RSOS A-3.06)
A12-1

1. Describe the purpose of inspection and verification of plants and materials
2. Describe storage area specifications for equipment and hazardous materials
3. Receive plants and materials
4. Handle substandard plants and materials

Chapter 13 Transports Materials (RSOS A-3.07)
A13-1

1. Describe the protection of plant materials
2. Describe the procedure to secure materials
3. Describe the procedure to load/unload materials
4. Describe the procedure to cover materials
5. Describe the transportation of materials
6. Describe the procedure to perform circle checks

Chapter 14 Transports Equipment (RSOS A-3.08)
A14-1

1. Describe the transportation of equipment and attachments
2. Describe the selection of vehicle/trailer type
3. Identify jurisdictional regulations used for transporting equipment
4. Describe considerations in determining route
5. Describe the procedure to secure loads
6. Describe the procedure to perform circle checks
7. Describe the procedure to load equipment
8. Describe the procedure to unload equipment

Chapter 15 Controls Inventory (RSOS A-4.01)
A15-1

1. Describe the process for identifying and counting inventory
2. Describe the process for sorting and managing inventory
3. Describe the considerations for restocking orders

Chapter 16 Sells Products and Services (RSOS A-4.02)
A16-1

1. Describe considerations for client education and advising
2. Describe merchandising and marketing of products and services
3. Describe considerations for handling payments for products and services

Chapter 17 Maintains Customer Relations (RSOS A-4.03)
A17-1

1. Describe methods of maintaining customer relations
2. Describe methods of maintaining customer records
3. Identify stakeholders for future inquiries

Chapter 18 Prepares Estimates (RSOS A-4.04)
A18-1

1. Interpret site information and documentation
2. Identify sources of information pertaining to estimating
3. Estimate material costs
4. Estimate labour costs
5. Estimate equipment costs
6. Estimate additional costs
7. Coordinate project logistics
8. Risk management strategies used in landscape industry estimation
9. Provide estimates

Chapter 19 Uses Communication Techniques (RSOS A-5.01)
A19-1

1. Describe characteristics of an effective team
2. Participate in safety and information meetings
3. Describe conflict management
4. Use effective verbal and written communication techniques
5. Describe effective feedback
6. Describe the use of communication equipment
7. Use universal hand signals

Chapter 20 Uses Mentoring Techniques (RSOS A-5.02)
A20-1

1. Describe leadership in the organization
2. Define the roles and responsibilities of the mentor
3. Describe training skills
4. Describe learning styles and needs
5. Describe the value of essential skills in the workplace
6. Manage time
7. Examine the concept of power in an organization
8. Recognize ethical and social responsibility issues in the workplace
9. Interpret employment standards

Book B: Applies Horticultural Principles

Chapter 1 Identifies Plants and Plant Requirements (RSOS B-6.01)
B1-1

1. Part One: Practice Basic Plant Science
2. Plant morphology
3. Describe the external anatomy of stems
4. Describe leaf morphology and external anatomy
5. Describe parts of the flower
6. Identify typical inflorescences
7. Identify fruit types
8. Describe seed characteristics and development
9. Identify organ modifications
10. Describe the microscopic anatomy of plants
11. Describe plant organ internal anatomy
12. Describe plant growth
13. Describe life cycle stages of angiosperms and gymnosperms
14. Describe water movement through a plant
15. Describe basic principles of photosynthesis
16. Explain the influence of environmental factors on plant physiology
17. Describe the growth response to external stimuli
18. Describe basic growth responses to plant hormones
19. Part Two: Identify Plants and Plant Requirements
20. Classify a range of plant materials commonly used in commercial horticulture
21. Examine plant characteristics through visual, touch and other senses
22. Employ correct naming and plant identification terminology
23. Name the plant family for each plant identified
24. Use a dichotomous key for plant identification
25. Identify and describe woody and non-woody plants
26. Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Interprovincial Exam Plant List
27. Recognize a range of plant materials commonly used in horticulture
28. Explain plant hardiness zones
29. Identify weeds
30. Describe the characteristics of weeds
31. Recognize plants suitable for common tropical, floral, and interior landscape situations
32. Recognize plants suitable for planting in difficult situations
33. Describe native plants common to the horticulture industry
34. Describe seasonal plants common to the horticulture industry
35. Describe plants suitable for green infrastructure projects
36. Describe plants suitable for edible landscapes

Chapter 2 Manages Plant Health and Growing Conditions (RSOS B-6.02)
B2-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Describe the conditions that affect plant health
3. Recognize basic practices that affect plant health
4. Visually inspect growing media
5. Use appropriate terminology to describe plant stress
6. Examine plant organs for evidence of stress
7. Collect samples to prepare for testing
8. Describe types of tests
9. Interpret test results
10. Develop a plan for implementing corrective measures
11. Determine factors for plant selection and placement
12. Amend growing conditions to meet plant requirements
13. Measure and apply fertilizer and amendments

Chapter 3 Prunes Plant Material (RSOS B-6.03)
B3-1

1. Part One: Prune Shrubs, Groundcovers, and Vines
2. Select and use tools and equipment
3. Identify hazards and safe work practices
4. Demonstrate safe working practices and operation of common pruning equipment and tools
5. Describe shrub, vine, and groundcover pruning considerations
6. Demonstrate pruning techniques for young and established shrubs, groundcovers, and vines
7. Describe timing of pruning shrubs, vines, and groundcovers
8. Part Two: Prune Trees
9. Describe tree pruning considerations
10. Recognize factors contributing to tree failure
11. Risks associated with trees
12. Describe basic plant morphology, anatomy, and physiology with regard to pruning trees
13. Perform pruning techniques for young and established trees
14. Describe training techniques for young trees
15. Describe timing of pruning trees
16. Describe compartmentalization

Chapter 4 Manages Pests, Diseases, and Invasive Species (RSOS B-6.04)
B4-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Hazards and safe work practices
3. Describe conditions that contribute to plant stress
4. Describe common pests
5. Describe basic arthropod biology
6. Describe the characteristics of invertebrate pests
7. Describe the biology and characteristics of pathogens
8. Describe the damage and management of vertebrate pests (birds & mammals)
9. Describe basic weed biology, common characteristics, and impacts
10. Describe established methods for controlling pests (IPM)
11. Establishing treatment methods for controlling pests
12. Describe the integrated strategies for pest control
13. Apply treatment methods
14. Describe safe disposal of products and materials
15. Discuss the implications of pest management
16. Identify the factors for selecting and applying treatment methods
17. Describe pest control products, formulations, and application equipment
18. Identify regulated versus non-regulated pests
19. Identify quarantine protocols
20. Prepare samples for lab testing
21. Develop a diagnostic checklist
22. Develop an IPM program
23. Practical Activity 1: Develop an IPM program proposal
24. Glossary

Chapter 5 Practices Environmental Stewardship (RSOS B-7.01)
B5-1

1. Define environmental stewardship
2. Describe standards for environmental protection
3. Discuss opportunities for stewardship related to site assessment and preparation
4. List benefits of plants
5. Identify opportunities for stewardship relating to landscape maintenance and installation
6. IPM implications on environmental stewardship
7. Identify opportunities for stewardship related to pest and disease management
8. Identify opportunities for stewardship related to green infrastructure and biodiversity

Chapter 6 Practices Biodiversity Enhancement (RSOS B-7.02)
B6-1

1. Define biodiversity
2. Ensuring and practicing biodiversity within landscapes
3. Describe selection of plants to ensure diversity within landscapes
4. Describe a variety of habitats that support a range of organisms
5. Describe bio-diverse enhancement strategies

Chapter 7 Practices Soil Stewardship (B-7.03)
B7-1

1. Describe factors of soil formation
2. Define soil quality
3. Distinguish between soil profile horizons
4. Explain the physical properties of soil and soilless media
5. Describe the behaviour of water in soil
6. Examine the types and functions of soil biota
7. Explain the role of organic matter in soil
8. Describe composting considerations
9. Describe how soil colloids determine soil chemical properties
10. Describe the effect of pH on soil properties
11. Describe the effect of salinity and sodicity on soil properties
12. Summarize nutrient management
13. Discuss site remediation
14. Sample soils
15. Discuss the importance of preserving soil health
16. Identify the considerations when selecting soil amendments

Chapter 8 Practices Water Stewardship (RSOS B-7.04)
B8-1

1. Describe elements of water stewardship
2. Describe procedures for environmental water sampling
3. Describe practices that promote water stewardship
4. Describe irrigation system auditing and scheduling procedures

Book C: Performs Landscape Construction

Chapter 1 Participates in Landscape Design Activities (RSOS C-8.01)
C1-1

1. Describe styles, elements, and principles of design
2. Describe the design process
3. Describe the site analysis process
4. Identify plants for planting plans
5. Determine the size of plants for planting plans

Chapter 2 Prepares Construction Site (RSOS C-8.02)
C2-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret documentation
3. Locate utilities
4. Identify site access
5. Describe the procedure to cordon off sensitive areas
6. Establish final layout

Chapter 3 Performs Grading (RSOS C-8.03)
C3-1

1. Describe considerations for grading
2. Perform calculations
3. Perform stripping and stockpiling topsoil
4. Perform earth moving
5. Describe the procedure for fine grading

Chapter 4 Installs Drainage Systems (RSOS C-8.04)
C4-1

1. Identify types of drainage systems
2. Identify drainage system components
3. Describe installation considerations
4. Describe installation procedures

Chapter 5 Installs Landscape Structures (RSOS C-9.01)
C5-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe material selection
4. Describe construction methods
5. Perform site preparation
6. Describe the process for securing structures

Chapter 6 Installs Surface Materials (RSOS C-9.02)
C6-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe material properties
4. Describe preparation procedures
5. Describe installation procedures

Chapter 7 Installs Steps and Retaining Walls (RSOS C-9.03)
C7-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe types of walls and steps
4. Describe preparation procedures
5. Describe installation procedures
6. Describe the process for securing steps and retaining walls

Chapter 8 Installs Irrigation Systems (RSOS C-9.04)
C8-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe design considerations
4. Identify system components
5. Describe factors affecting system design
6. Describe installation procedures
7. Describe programming of controller

Chapter 9 Installs Water Features (RSOS C-9.05)
C9-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe types of water features
4. Describe site preparation
5. Describe installation procedures

Chapter 10 Installs Low Voltage Landscape Lighting (RSOS C-9.06)
C10-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe types of components and their functions
4. Describe installation procedures
5. Describe adjustment of lighting components

Chapter 11 Installs Growing Media (RSOS C-10.01)
C11-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe preparation procedures
4. Describe installation procedures
5. Describe amendment procedures

Chapter 12 Installs Exterior Landscape Plants (RSOS C-10.02)
C12-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe plant selection
4. Describe site layout
5. Describe plant preparation
6. Describe planting procedures
7. Describe staking and guying
8. Describe initial plant care

Chapter 13 Transplants Plants (RSOS C-10.03)
C13-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Describe preparation procedures
3. Describe digging procedures
4. Describe post-transplanting care

Chapter 14 Installs Mulch (RSOS C-10.04)
C14-1

1. Describe properties and purpose of mulch
2. Describe site preparation
3. Describe installation procedures

Chapter 15 Installs Turf From Seed (RSOS C-10.05)
C15-1

1. Describe turfgrass selection
2. Describe seedbed preparation
3. Describe installation procedures
4. Describe initial care

Chapter 16 Installs Sod (RSOS C-10.06)
C16-1

1. Describe site preparation
2. Describe installation procedures
3. Describe initial care

Chapter 17 Installs Interior Landscape Plants (RSOS C-10.07)
C17-1

1. Describe containers
2. Describe protection of interior surfaces
3. Describe staging of plants
4. Describe planting procedures

Chapter 18 Selects Green Infrastructure (RSOS C-11.01)
C18-1

1. Describe concepts and needs assessment
2. Describe factors affecting selection
3. Describe xeriscape principles
4. Describe benefits of green infrastructure and the urban forest

Chapter 19 Installs Green Roofs and Walls (RSOS C-11.02)
C19-1

1. Describe types and functions of green roof systems and green walls
2. Identify non-organic layers and their components
3. Identify organic layers and their components
4. Describe installation procedures for green roof systems and green walls

Chapter 20 Installs Rainwater and Stormwater Management Systems (RSOS C-11.03)
C20-1

1. Describe types of rainwater and stormwater management systems
2. Identify system components
3. Describe installation procedures

Chapter 21 Installs Erosion Control (RSOS C-11.04)
C21-1

1. Describe tools and equipment
2. Identify erosion control methods and their application
3. Describe installation methods
4. Install erosion control material

Chapter 22 Installs Biodiverse Plantings and Natural Areas (RSOS C-11.05)
C22-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Describe installation considerations for biodiverse plantings and natural areas
3. Describe installation procedures for biodiverse plantings & natural areas

Book D: Performs Landscape Maintenance

Chapter 1 Maintains Drainage Systems (RSOS D-12.01)
D1-1

1. Hazards and safe work practices
2. Describe maintenance requirements of drainage systems
3. Describe indicators of failure
4. Describe drainage components
5. Describe optimal flow
6. Describe securing of drain covers
7. Describe the winterizing of drainage systems

Chapter 2 Maintains Landscape Structures (RSOS D-12.02)
D2-1

1. Inspect structures for defects and hazards
2. Describe maintenance procedures for landscape structures

Chapter 3 Maintains Surface Materials (RSOS D-12.03)
D3-1

1. Describe surface defects and hazards
2. Describe maintenance procedures for surfaces

Chapter 4 Maintains Steps and Retaining Walls (RSOS D-12.04)
D4-1

1. Describe defects and hazards for steps and retaining walls
2. Describe maintenance procedures for steps and retaining walls

Chapter 5 Maintains Irrigation Systems (D-12.05)
D5-1

1. Identify hazards and perform safe work practices
2. Identify irrigation systems
3. Describe maintenance requirements
4. Describe the determination of system functionality
5. Describe problems
6. Describe solutions
7. Describe the considerations and procedures for determining water quality and availability
8. Identify factors that determine irrigation rates and methods
9. Describe water stewardship practices

Chapter 6 Maintains Water Features (RSOS D-12.06)
D6-1

1. Identify hazards and perform safe work practices
2. Interpret codes, regulations, and documentation
3. Describe types of water features
4. Describe the procedures and products used to maintain water features
5. Describe inspection of water features for defects
6. Describe the process for charging systems and replacing pumps
7. Describe the process for setting and resetting timers
8. Describe the process to remove & protect plants and fish for cleaning & winterization of water features
9. Describe the process for draining and refilling features
10. Describe the process for running systems to ensure functioning
11. Describe the process for inspecting and testing water conditions
12. Describe the process for testing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
13. Describe the process for cleaning of components
14. Describe cleaning of water features
15. Describe amending water
16. Describe the process for winterizing water features

Chapter 7 Maintains Landscape Lighting (RSOS D-12.07)
D7-1

1. Landscape lighting maintenance programs
2. Maintain landscape lighting preparation
3. Low voltage landscape lighting maintenance procedures
4. Describe visual inspection of lighting components
5. Describe adjustment of lighting components
6. Describe cleaning and clearing of lighting components

Chapter 8 Practices Snow and Ice Control (RSOS D-12.08)
D8-1

1. Practices Snow and Ice Control: Red Seal Occupational Standard and Red Seal Interprovincial Exam Study Highlights

Chapter 9 Repairs Hardscape (RSOS D-12.09)
D9-1

1. Recognize damage to hardscapes
2. Describe minor repairs

Chapter 10 Maintains Exterior Softscape (RSOS D-13.01)
D10-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Hazards and safe work practices
3. Describe the purpose of softscape maintenance
4. Perform visual inspection
5. Irrigate plants
6. Fertilize plants
7. Cultivate growing media
8. Perform seasonal planting and removal of plants
9. Perform deadheading
10. Apply or install seasonal protection
11. Describe hardening off practices
12. Remove weeds and debris
13. Describe mulching of beds and containers
14. Describe inspection & maintenance of natural & manufactured edges
15. Describe removing staking and guying materials
16. Perform site cleanup

Chapter 11 Maintains Interior Softscape (RSOS D-13.02)
D11-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices
3. Identify interior plants and their needs
4. Identify pests and diseases
5. Perform visual inspection
6. Discuss irrigation and fertilization of plants
7. Discuss cultivation and amendment of growing media
8. Discuss cleaning of foliage and containers
9. Discuss seasonal plant replacement
10. Discuss protection of interior furnishings and surfaces
11. Discuss pruning of interior plants
12. Discuss managing growth for site conditions
13. Discuss movement and rotation of plants
14. Appendix: Plant Lighting Fundamentals

Chapter 12 Maintains Turfgrass (RSOS D-13.03)
D12-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Describe turfgrass maintenance
3. Describe turfgrass cultivation
4. Describe maintenance scheduling
5. Describe monitoring of turfgrass
6. Describe turfgrass irrigation
7. Perform mowing and trimming of turfgrass
8. Describe pest and disease management of turfgrass
9. Describe turfgrass repair

Chapter 13 Propagates Plant Material RSOS (D-13.04)
D13-1

1. Select and use hand tools and materials
2. Hazards and safe work practices
3. Plant propagation
4. Identify considerations used when selecting stock/parent plants
5. Describe the harvesting and dividing of storage organs
6. Describe propagation methods

Chapter 14 Repairs Softscape (RSOS D-13.05)
D14-1

1. Select and use tools and equipment
2. Hazards and safe work practices
3. Describe management of damaged plant material
4. Describe reasons for replacing interior and exterior plants
5. Describe repair of natural and manufactured edges
6. Describe repair and adjustment of staking and guying materials
7. Describe repair of grading and drainage
8. Describe reasons for replacing growing media
9. Describe repair of inorganic mulch

Chapter 15 Maintains Green Roofs and Walls (RSOS D-14.01)
D15-1

1. Select and use hand tools, power tools, and equipment
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices
3. Describe types and functions of green roof systems and green walls
4. Describe processes and procedures for maintaining green roofs and walls
5. Identify non-horticultural elements requiring inspection and maintenance

Chapter 16 Maintains Rainwater and Stormwater Management Systems (RSOS D-14.02)
D16-1

1. Describe processes and procedures for maintaining the function of rainwater and stormwater management systems
2. Identify non-horticultural elements requiring inspection and maintenance

Chapter 17 Maintains Erosion Control (RSOS D-14.03)
D17-1

1. Describe the procedures to inspect erosion control materials
2. Describe the procedures to repair erosion control materials

Chapter 18 Maintains Biodiverse Plantings and Natural Areas (RSOS D-14.04)
D18-1

1. Biodiverse plantings and natural areas
2. Identify criteria for monitoring site
3. Describe maintenance procedures