I always use another ratchet strap on ladder stands about halfway up, really helps secure things up when you are taking them up or down.
In soft ground, I also fasten the ladder sections together. I once had a ladder come apart on me while climbing it - that was a complete surprise and luckily I didn't get hurt. I was pretty high up, but was able to keep hold of the bottom section and wedge it so I could climb down! The ground was soft enough that after 6 or so times of climbing it, the bottom got far enough in the ground to separate...
Basically, you need to plan on the primary fastener to the tree breaking, so that your backup will save your life.