How to Prepare a Yard for a Trampoline

Using a trampoline has been a part of childhood for as long as these entertainment and exercise devices have been in existence. Many children love to jump and play on them and when used correctly, trampolines can provide a lot of good memories that will last a lifetime. Preparing your yard for a trampoline is an important component in enjoying your trampoline. This may be easy or it may take a little work. How much work you have to do will depend on how your yard looks at the moment and whether your trampoline is in-ground (learn about in-ground trampolines safety vs above ground) or above ground. To learn how to prepare your yard for an above-ground trampoline, just continue to read our article.

Steps to Prepare Your Yard

There are a few important steps you need to take in order for your new trampoline to fit right and be safe to use. Here are those steps you need to do to achieve that goal.

#1. Measure your yard — this is important because the trampoline needs to fit inside of your yard’s boundary and have at least 3 to 4 feet to spare all the way around the trampoline. This extra distance is for safety reasons and to make sure your kids can have lots of fun.

Related: Read our Merax 14 FT Trampoline review

#2. Do some yard work – this is the next important step that needs to be done before your new trampoline arrives or is set up. You will need to cut the grass, remove any trees or bushes that will be in the way of the trampoline’s final location. Plus, you will need to remove those trees and bushes to ensure that 3 to 4 feet of safe space is free from them

#3. Check the level – it is not safe to place your trampoline at an angle. This does not add to the fun, it just increases the risks of injury and other dangers. Check your yard to make sure it is level. If not, you may have to do some work and either add material to level the area or take some away. Keeping the ground level adds to the lifespan of the trampoline and keeps it from damage as well.

#4. Cut your grass – you really do not want long grass to continue to grow and reach the trampoline mat. Cut the grass, especially in the spot where the trampoline will sit. This will protect your trampoline and help it last longer. You should be able to cut underneath the trampoline once it is set up. It just might take a little more effort to do so. To improve trampoline safety, you can cut the grass long.

#5. Add a drain – when it rains it will pour and when the water has no place to go, you will be undermining the stability of the trampoline and raise the risk factor when the device is used. Add at least one drain so that the rainwater can move along and be directed to a safer area. You can always remove the grass and add drain rock if you want a low-maintenance trampoline area.

Do Trampolines Kill Your Grass

This is a big concern of homeowners as they consider putting a trampoline in the back yard. The value of their home may be affected if there is a large dead spot in the middle of the yard. The good news is that many modern trampolines are made from a material that allows for some sunlight to get through to the grass (see Best Outdoor Trampoline for Kids). This technological upgrade helps homeowners preserve their lawn’s look and not lose any value.

But even if your trampoline is not made from this material, your grass can still survive if you either move the trampoline from time to time or continue to water it. What you do will depend on the type of grass in your yard. Different grass species react differently to the lack of light. Other factors in this issue and if your grass dies or not include the type of soil you have, where you live in the country, and the angle of the sun, to mention a few.

The legs of the trampoline will be the one trampoline part that will affect your grass and kill it. That is why moving it from time to time, even just a little bit, is helpful and will preserve your grass.

Some Final Words

Once your yard is ready, you will have a little peace of mind because your children will be safe when they use their new entertainment and exercise equipment. It is a little bit of work to prepare your yard but the joy in your children’s eyes is enough reward.