How to Protect Grass From A Trampoline

Trampolines are great fun for the family. It is a wonderful addition to a backyard because it provides hours of fun for the kids. Jumping on a trampoline is a great way for adults to get exercise too. A trampoline in your backyard provides the family with a way to bounce around and jump to great heights in a safe and controlled environment.

Families often have one concern about how the trampoline affects the grass beneath it. They do not want the grass beneath the trampoline to suffer. They invest a lot of money in transforming the backyard into a great place to entertain, and they want to keep it looking nice. If you have a trampoline in your yard, here are some great tips on how to keep your grass looking green and healthy. Don’t forget, that the size of your trampoline often determines the amount of work needed to maintain a perfect yard. The below tips are for general maintenance of the grass around the trampoline and does not take into account irregular activities such as painting the trampoline.

Move The Trampoline

There are two things that grass needs to grow: water and sunlight. Modern trampolines will allow sunlight and water to filter through instead of completely blocking them from reaching the part of the lawn where the trampoline is placed. However, if you have the type of grass that loves the sun, it still might not get enough sunlight. For that grassy area to get enough sunlight, you can move the trampoline to allow the grass beneath more sun exposure. Ideally, it should be moved once a week when you mow the grass.

If you have a big trampoline (learn how to measure your trampoline) and you do not have the room to move it completely away from the covered area, you can move it partially to one side so that side gets sunlight. The week after, move the trampoline the other way, far enough to uncover the other side of the grass. This will allow all areas of the grass to get enough sunlight.

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Trampolines can be cumbersome to move. To facilitate that, you can consider attaching special wheels made for trampolines before you move them. These are only attached for moving and they are removed when you have the trampoline in the position you want. The advantage is that you can move the trampoline more often to give your grass more even exposure to sunlight. When you move the trampoline, the wheels can leave wheel tracks on the grass, but these track marks are only temporary. Therefore, keep this in mind if you decide to use detachable wheels.

Mow The Grass Tall

In hot geographic areas, you actually want to prevent the heat from the sun from drying out your soil and your lawn. The trampoline can provide filtered shade that protects the grass. When you mow the grass, set the blade higher to keep your grass tall. Tall blades of grass will help it retain moisture better. It can also help it catch the sunlight that it needs to produce chlorophyll.

Plan Ahead and Plant The Right Type Of Grass

If you have the chance and the time, do some planning in your backyard before you purchase the trampoline. You can choose a type of grass that likes cooler temperatures and filtered light. Check with your home center or a lawn specialist for recommendations in your geographic region. You might be able to find a type of grass that does well without full sun. Typically, a type of fescue will thrive in the shade.

Overseed and Fertilize Your Grass

Fertilize your lawn in the fall. You can also sow seeds in the grassy area beneath your trampoline at the same time. Sow seeds for a type of grass that tolerates shade. The seeds will sprout in the spring and new grass will grow. Overseeding will help that part of the grass look fuller. Water it well during spring once a week. Avoid daily watering because this will encourage your grass to have shallow roots instead of deeper roots. Watering it well just once a week will get the roots to grow deeper into the soil, which will allow your grass to hold on to moisture better. During the hotter season, water it two times a week to prevent your grass and soil from drying out.

Final Words

Having a trampoline in your backyard does not mean you have to sacrifice a beautiful lawn. By following the tips above, your family can have great-looking grass while having fun on a trampoline.