big, borrowed ladder

I borrowed a 20' ladder the other day from friends. (They even delivered it!) Because of this I was able to trim the tree branches that have been brushing the roof all around the house. And it was so easy!!!! I have a 6' step ladder. I've always had to make a platform with concrete blocks, set the ladder on it and then climb up onto the roof. Boy, I was so excited to just set the ladder up and climb up there and trim those tree limbs. What is it they say about the right tools?