How can the base of a ladder be made more stable when placed on grass or gravel?

The best way to enhance the stability of a ladder placed on grass or gravel is to use flat feet. Flat feet provide a larger surface area in contact with the ground, which helps distribute the weight of the ladder more evenly. This distribution minimizes the chance of sinking into soft surfaces like grass or gravel and reduces the risk of the ladder tipping or slipping.

In contrast, using ladder feet in the spike position tends to be more effective on hard or stable surfaces, as spikes can dig into the ground and provide grip. However, on softer surfaces, spikes may not provide the same level of stability and could lead to instability if the ground compresses or shifts under the weight.

Digging the base into the ground can potentially provide some stability, but it is often impractical and not a recommended practice, especially if the area is uneven or rocky. Similarly, while using a wide base platform can improve stability, it may not be viable in every situation, especially if the platform cannot be secured properly on soft ground.

In summary, using flat feet for the ladder is the most effective and safest method to ensure stability when set up on less stable surfaces like grass or gravel.