YUP, I use a rachet strap at the top. With the 20 footers you can have a couple feet above the stand platform and still be 18 feet up. I run the extra rachet around the stand and the stick to give added strength to both. Sometimes it's good to add a couple screw in steps higher up to give you good handholds getting in and out of the stand. Make sure you get the stick stuck soundly to the ground or sunk until solid if it's loose soil. If you don't and you have it tied tight to the tree at the top with the rachet.. you could get separation of a section further down the tree if the stick settles more after you hung it.