Where to Put a Trampoline in the Yard

A trampoline offers numerous advantages, especially for homeowners with large backyards. Though they require quite a bit of maintenance and commitment, trampolines are also great focal points, offer hours of endless entertainment, and make it easy to get kids outside to exercise.

Finding the perfect location for a trampoline in a backyard requires careful research as the equipment needs protection from direct sunlight and the elements, while also requiring a flat surface. Below are some of the things that homeowners should look at when selecting the ideal spot.

Trampolines Require Flat And Even Surfaces

When using a trampoline, it’s important that the equipment is sitting completely level on the surface of the ground. The idea behind it is that a flat surface allows for even weight distribution while the trampoline is in use.

It is crucial to avoid installing a trampoline in any location that is uneven, hilly, or has slopes. Not paying heed to this advice means that a bouncer can suffer serious injury by tipping the device with their weight and the springs themselves in the trampoline will wear out much faster. On the off chance that a backyard has no level spots, it is possible to do minimal excavation work and to purchase a leveling kit. These kits are able to balance the trampoline and make it safe to use.

Selecting The Ideal Space

Grassy lawns are the ideal and recommended surface for trampoline users. The grass is able to absorb shock from every bounce and make it safer to use. This is especially important if you own a high-performing trampoline (see our review of the Duofit TR-06). However, trampolines are easily installed on surfaces such as concrete and tiles by placing a rubber mat underneath the equipment for optimum shock absorption. The other acceptable alternatives to provide protection when trampolines are in use include wood chips, rubber, and commercial sand.

**Concrete itself is not a genuinely acceptable surface to install a trampoline on. Without careful preparation of the area, the device will suffer damage to its frame and legs due to the extreme shock of each bounce. It is also impossible to use anchor kits with a trampoline on cement to ensure that it sits safely level on the ground.

Leaving Space Around A Trampoline

Trampolines ideally require about 8 feet of clear space around them. This means that they should not remain too close to fencing or the side of buildings. It is also important to factor into the equation the bounce height of a trampoline. Professionals always recommend having about 26 feet of clearance from the ground up for proper safety.

Related: See our picks for the best trampolines for flips

Though trampolines require shade, it is crucial to never place them directly underneath a tree or any type of shrubbery that may cause falling debris to hurt a user. Furthermore, placing a trampoline near a tree may impact the safety net functionality. But, as you assemble the trampoline’s safety netting, it will become obvious that this is a bad idea. Some will recommend using the angle of a building for ample shade from the sun.

Adequate Lighting Is Also Important

It is important to keep lighting conditions in mind when choosing a spot in the backyard for a trampoline. Though direct light isn’t ideal or always possible, spotlights should get installed to make the equipment safer to use. When selecting spotlights, it is important that they have the ability to illuminate at least several feet in front of them.

The Best Place To Put A Trampoline

Ultimately, the best place to put a trampoline for regular use still remains on a level grassy lawn, or anywhere with the soft ground for shock absorption. Most importantly, the trampoline should have approximately 8 feet of clearance on all sides. If this amount of space is not possible, the solution is to purchase an enclosure net. Though the netting is able to provide some protection against hitting an object, there are still some associated risks going this route.

Trampolines have the ability to amuse and entertain for many hours, but they also aren’t the safest pieces of equipment on the market. There are many guidelines and restrictions that an owner should follow in order to ensure that everyone bouncing on the trampoline remains safe. Fortunately, with the number of accessories widely available for trampolines along with comprehensive safety guidelines, they are easily installed on many surfaces while the risk of using them remains minimal. At the end of the day, most usage advice is common sense anyhow!