On 13/01/2014 11:59, Janet Tweedy wrote:
I currently have a fairly tall ' a frame' ladder from which I cut my
hedges nut I need to cut the water shoots from my Bramley Apple tree
which is too high for the 7 foot I can reach at the moment.

Seen the collapsible straight ones on the market and wondered if they
were fairly safe/sturdy to use ? If not what should I go for in a long
ladder, as if I am buying one I may as well get one that reaches
upstairs windows etc.

Depends if you can prop it up against the trunk or some other sturdy
part of the tree. You may have to extend it further than you think to
find a good support. I have a 3 section 10 foot aluminium job which I
can just about manage on my own. Have never used it for tree work though.

Maybe a window cleaner's ladder? They are narrow at the top.