Though it is possible to use a pole saw from a ladder, it is not recommended for a few reasons. The pole saws have a kickback tendency while starting and it may tumble you down from the ladder. Next, the weight of the pole distributes your gravity, and the ladder may slip due to the forward pull of the load. Finally, heavy branches falling from heights are sometimes unpredictable, and if they fall in your direction, you have fewer chances of escape.