Put old socks on the end top of your ladder before leaning it against the side of your house. This will help prevent scratches from the metal at top of the ladder.
Ladders can be a challenge to store safely and out of the way. Depending on where you typically store your step or extension ladder there are some options for proper storage. This is a page about ladder storage ideas.
Ladders are frequently used by gardeners and homeowners for other outdoor maintenance activities. To maximize your safety choose the best type of ladder for the task and then follow the instructions for how to use it safely. This is a page about ladder safety for gardeners.