Product Overview

Summary: This Tree Planting Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, consistent and environmentally responsible method for planting trees in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations protect workers from common landscaping and bushland hazards while improving planting quality, survival rates and compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Tree planting work often appears low‑risk, but in practice it exposes workers to a range of hazards including manual handling injuries, cuts and punctures, heat stress, traffic interaction, and work in remote or bushfire‑prone locations. This Tree Planting Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step method for planning, preparing and carrying out tree planting tasks safely on Australian worksites, from small landscaping projects through to large‑scale revegetation and roadside planting programs. It aligns with WHS duties under Australian legislation and supports businesses to demonstrate a systematic approach to risk management in the field.

The SOP goes beyond basic planting instructions to integrate safety, quality and environmental considerations into a single, easy‑to‑follow document. It covers pre‑start site assessments, selection and use of hand tools and small plant, safe manual handling of tubestock and larger root balls, work in hot and adverse weather, and controls for traffic and mobile plant operating nearby. It also embeds environmental good practice, including soil preparation, erosion control, weed and biosecurity hygiene, and protection of existing vegetation and services. Implementing this SOP helps organisations standardise training, reduce incident rates, improve tree survival and provide clear evidence of due diligence during audits, tenders and contractor management processes.

Key Benefits

• Ensure tree planting activities are planned and carried out in line with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements.
• Reduce manual handling, tool‑related and environmental exposure injuries through clearly defined safe work methods.
• Standardise planting techniques to improve tree survival, establishment rates and long‑term maintenance outcomes.
• Demonstrate due diligence and robust contractor management during audits, tender submissions and client inspections.
• Support efficient onboarding and competency development for new workers and seasonal or contract planting crews.

Who is this for?

• Landscape Supervisors
• Parks and Gardens Team Leaders
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Arborists and Tree Workers
• Bush Regeneration Coordinators
• Grounds and Maintenance Managers
• Local Government Parks Managers
• Environmental Project Officers
• WHS Advisors in Horticulture and Landscaping
• Contracting and Facilities Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning plants, soil and mulch
• Cuts, punctures and eye injuries from hand tools such as shovels, mattocks and crowbars
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, wet or excavated ground
• Heat stress, dehydration and sun exposure during outdoor work
• Contact with underground or overhead services (water, gas, electrical, communications)
• Interaction with mobile plant and vehicle traffic near roadsides, car parks and construction sites
• Bites, stings and allergic reactions from insects, spiders, snakes and plants
• Exposure to dust, soil‑borne contaminants, fertilisers and pesticides
• Fatigue and strain from repetitive bending, digging and kneeling
• Environmental hazards such as unstable embankments, water bodies and bushfire‑prone areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Standards
• 3.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Service Location and Environmental Checks
• 10.0 Traffic and Mobile Plant Control Measures
• 11.0 Safe Manual Handling for Plants, Soil and Mulch
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Tree Planting Procedure
• 13.0 Working in Hot or Adverse Weather Conditions
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 15.0 Biosecurity, Weed and Disease Hygiene Practices
• 16.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Site Restoration
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 18.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS 1742.3: Manual of uniform traffic control devices – Traffic control for works on roads
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves