4 top tips on working safely while trimming your garden’s trees

With heavy rain on the way, it’s safe to say we’re finally coming to the end of summer! However, there’s still just a bit of time left to get some final tasks done for the onset of winter. If you haven’t got around to trimming your garden’s trees or hedges, now is a good time to get it done! However, if you want to get the job done safely and efficiently, it’s important to know these key tips. We’ve summed them up below!

Use the right ladder for the job

It sounds fairly straightforward, but you might be surprised at the number of homeowners (and even professional tradesmen) who try and MacGyver a ladder into the task that’s not designed for the purpose, like a telescopic ladder. This not only makes the job harder, but can be actively dangerous. Unlike telescopic ladders, stepladders and garden ladders are specifically designed to give you the maximum amount of stability on uneven ground, where other ladders might struggle. Don’t take the risk – use the right ladder!

Make sure your ladder is the right height

Another tip that sounds so obvious as to almost not be worth mentioning, but trust us, it is. A ladder that’s too high can end up being unstable, especially on soft ground like grass or turf, leading to the increased risk of a fall. Meanwhile, one that’s too short can lead to you overextending yourself as you try and trim the branches, which can lead to you overbalancing. In fact, speaking of which…

Always keep your hips inside the guard rails

In other words, don’t lean out too far to either side of the ladder. This is one of the easiest ways to accidentally overbalance, and has lead to plenty of injuries for even the most experienced of tradesmen. It’s especially dangerous when you consider that you’ll be carrying sharp tools up there, like secateurs or hatchets (or even a chainsaw, if you’re confident enough!). If you find that you’re having to reach out too far to the side, take the time to descend the ladder and move it. Trust us, it’s cumbersome, but it’s far safer!

Make sure your ladder has been inspected

Even if you’re following all the recommended safety advice, and you’re scrupulously careful about how and where you use your ladder, it all amounts to nothing if it collapses under you. To avoid this, always get your ladder inspected in good time, especially if it’s a wooden one, and never use it if you think there’s even the slightest risk that it might not hold your weight. Even something as minor as one loose screw could make all the difference between whether or not you fall, and even shorter falls can lead to life-changing injuries. Don’t take the risk!

We offer a professional ladder inspection service here at Browns, and if you decide you need a new ladder to get the job done properly, we’ve got plenty of those too! You can explore our range of garden ladders and stepladders right here at Browns Ladders, and if you have any questions, or you need any help or advice, we’re always happy to help – just give us a call on 01282 615517!