The internet
never disappoints when it comes to amusing, and sometimes downright dangerous
evidence of ladder use that didn’t quite go to plan, but this image[1]
of a conifer that didn’t quite get the haircut it needed made us chuckle.  It had the same effect on many commenters,
with a lot of people seeing a Spongebob Squarepants pineapple house, and a few
comparisons to the well-loved Sesame Street character Ernie with the addition
of some eyes and a nose.

This half-job
was the result of the ladder not being quite long enough for the job, and we’re
thankful that we got a laugh out of it and that the topiarist didn’t put
themselves in danger by over-reaching or climbing onto the very top rungs of
the ladder they used.  Although we don’t
know whether they were using a special tripod garden ladder, a platform step
ladder or even an extension ladder laid dangerously right on the tree itself,
we must admit that the job they managed was done neatly.  It’s just a shame that the bushy top section
detracts the attention from the rest of the tidily shaped fir tree.

In order to
safely complete the job, a tripod platform ladder like the Henchman 4.8 metre
model with adjustable legs would be ideal. 
The tripod design enables easy access into the heart of the tree so you
can get as close as you need to without risking over-reaching.  This type of trimming and shaping job
requires a petrol powered hedge trimmer (although experienced gardeners might
prefer to use hand shears for a softer finish), so stability at height is a
priority. 

The platform
on the Henchman tripod ladders is made from four struts, allowing for debris to
fall through to the ground.  This is a
great feature for trimming and shaping tasks as all those little bits won’t end
up clogging your standing area on the platform, and therefore won’t pose a slip
hazard when descending.  The tall safety
rails provide incredible security for leaning your thighs and chest against for
jobs that require both hands, plus the ability to move your upper body around
to achieve a smooth finish on topiary. 

Any other
garden jobs that require the use of power tools ought to be done on a ladder
that has this kind of superior safety feature for maximum stability.  Sometimes achieving balance on a ladder is a
struggle without wielding any heavy equipment, but add a chainsaw, hedge
trimmer or other tool into the mix and you have a recipe for potential
disaster.  The Henchman tripod ladders
have been designed with exactly these heavy-duty tasks in mind.

If you have a
lot of hedge runs to maintain, a garden platform will be your best friend.  With two height models available, the Hanbury
Garden Workstations are perfect for large gardens and estates.  The biggest advantage of a workstation like
this is the length of the platform and the swathes of hedge you can maintain
before having to move the unit along. 
Heavy duty wheels mean that the workstation can be easily wheeled along
an expanse of hedge, and uneven terrain is no problem as each of the four legs
is fully height adjustable.

With a 2.8
metre and 3.8 metre model, the Hanbury Garden Workstation is perfect for
outdoor jobs, from hedge cutting to gutter maintenance and everything in between.  Maintaining climbing plants up the side of a
house is easy and quick with this mobile garden platform, and it folds away for
simple storage in an outbuilding.  The
high railings on either side and on the ladder ends keeps users safe and
stable, and enables them to have a range of tools to hand.

We have a
wide choice of garden ladders for every task, and every budget, so you won’t end
up with a comedy hedge in your garden just because the ladder was too short.