SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Prune and shape shrubs 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264176  Prune and shape shrubs 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Use pruning techniques to achieve optimum growth and flowering of shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
  • Rejuvenate shrubs and trees by applying the appropriate pruning techniques.
  • Conduct formative pruning to create the desired shape.
  • Apply post pruning care to plants. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply health and safety practices when pruning and shaping shrubs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used while pruning and shaping shrubs is identified and described in terms of the protection that the items provide. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of wearing gloves while pruning and trimming is explained in terms of the prevention of injuries that might otherwise occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential hazards of using secateurs are described in terms of the injuries that may occur while pruning shrubs and small trees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The safe use of secateurs to prune and shape shrubs is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The possible consequences of ignoring safety precautions are described in terms of the injuries that can result when pruning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessity of removing all surrounding debris after pruning and shaping shrubs is described in terms of the prevention of safety hazards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the principles and practices for the pruning of shrubs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dormancy period of a shrub or tree is explained in respect of the influence that climatic conditions have on it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to gauge the correct timing to conduct pruning is explained in terms of the sap flow and the consequences of pruning too early are given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The positions on a stem, where a pruning cut should be made, are described in respect of the condition of the stem and the selection of a suitable bud. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The slope of a pruning cut, relative to the selected bud is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of pruning cuts and the techniques to perform these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons that hygiene practices must be observed while pruning are explained in respect of the prevention of the transmitting of pests, diseases and viruses and these practices are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The cleaning and sealing of wounds effected during pruning are explained in terms of the specific plant types that are prone to stem infestation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The methods of sealing pruning cuts and wounds are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the pruning practices that will assist the rejuvenation of through selective pruning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity to regularly perform a basal 'cut back' is explained in respect of the shrubs that produce a high percentage of new growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of shrubs that regularly require a basal 'cut back' are described in terms of their structure and growth habits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The removal of selective 'old' wood from the base of a shrub is described in terms of the manner in which this will rejuvenate the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Examples of shrubs that require the removal of old wood are described in terms of the benefit that results from this pruning practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for the emergence of vigorous new growth, following a hard prune, are explained in terms of the infrastructure and growth potential of the roots and stems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify the pruning requirements of a variety of shrubs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The flowering wood of early and summer flowering deciduous shrubs is identified with regards to the significant differences between their seasonal growth characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods of pruning early flowering deciduous shrubs are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of pruning summer flowering deciduous shrubs are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of pruning evergreen shrubs are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The tendency of variegated shrubs to produce branches with only green leaves is explained in terms of the inherent dominance of the non variegated genes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The correct time to prune variegated shrubs is described in relation to the timing of the new seasonal growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for the pruning of variegated shrubs are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Formative trimming, pinching and pruning of young plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The formative pruning of bushes and trees which have lateral branches that extend to the ground are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The practices for the formative pruning and staking of young standard trees are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The practices for the formative pruning of young shrubs are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The practices for the formative pruning of annuals are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The techniques used in pinching are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The practice of pinching is explained in terms its stimulation of new growth and typical examples of plants that require pinching are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Provide post pruning care for plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of the after care that should be given to pruned plants is explained in regard to the necessity to provide adequate watering, nutrition and support for optimum growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of providing after care for shrubs after dead or damaged wood has been removed is explained in terms of the plants particular needs for recovery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the staking and tying of small trees are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying pruning techniques to achieve optimum growth and flowering of shrubs and herbaceous perennials. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the trimming and pruning of shrubs and herbaceous plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the procedures for the preparation of the pruning tools and equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Utilising information on the various methods to conduct formative pruning for shrubs and herbaceous plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Relaying information on the condition of protective equipment and the necessity to replace these. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Recognising the importance of the correct timing for pruning and the consequences of pruning too early are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Alvans Training Academy 
    2. Hygiene Pot Investment and Projects Pty Ltd 
    3. Joypat farming and Projects 
    4. Phil Chemics Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Triple S Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.