Going into 2020 the days are starting to get longer again, although it might be a few weeks before we really notice the difference.  The trees and hedgerows are bare, and the natural world seems to be in limbo, waiting for the first signs of warmth that herald the start of spring.  This is often the best time to undertake radical pruning of shrubs and hedges as you can see what you are cutting very easily, without the leaves obscuring detail.

Many garden jobs can be done from the ground, while tall shrubs and hedges require some kind of height access equipment to be able reach the very top.  The problem is that the ground is often very soft at this time of year and therefore, dangerous to use a ladder on.  Hailo offer a solution to this problem with their range of garden steps.  The wide stabilising base runners (which can be removed if you're using the ladder indoors) spread the weight of the ladder across a wider area, reducing the chance of sinking. The deep rungs are also ideal for garden work, as they provide a sturdy platform to stand on.  The top handrail has a moulded plastic tray for holding tools, and the bucket clip and cable clamp keep your power tools safe and accessible when you need them.  We have 4, 5 and 6 tread models, the tallest giving a maximum reach height of 10 feet.  They are all able to take a load of 150 kilos and are rated for domestic and commercial use, making them the perfect option for the keen gardener or professional horticulturalist.

If you need a larger platform at height, perhaps for wall maintenance or for trimming long hedges, then the ladder scaffold systems with wide platform is ideal.  They can be set up easily and provide a very stable base from which to work.  With wide stabilising bars at the ends, they provide security and stability and won't sink into soft ground.  They are also ideal for use on gravel paths, or where low walls and other features might need to be spanned. 

Making sure you're using the right equipment is half the battle, and if you're able to work safely you'll get more done.  It's important not to get complacent though, if you think you're working safely you're more likely to pay less attention to the other factors that can cause accidents in the garden.  The weather is a really important factor, as frost makes surfaces and ladder rungs slippery.  Rain has the same effect, so try to avoid working when there is frost around, or when it is raining.  The cold is another factor to bear in mind.  Not only do cold, stiff hands not grip your gardening tools properly, they'll also make it hard to grip the ladder and this can lead to slipping off it.  Being cold also affects our decision making abilities, and we're more likely to take risks and fail to notice hazards when we're cold, so stay warm and take frequent breaks to go indoors and warm up with a cuppa.

It's also helpful to have a garden maintenance calendar, so you have a clear idea of what tasks need to be done, and in what order.  That way, if it's raining or too cold to be using a ladder you can focus on other, low level easy tasks instead, so you make the most of the time you have and not need to rush the ladder based jobs when you do them – rushing also leads to poor decisions and avoidable accidents.

Happy gardening!