Does a Trampoline Need to Be on Grass? (Expert Advice)

As you start planning your yard for a trampoline, you might be asking yourself: 

“Where should I put this trampoline? Does a trampoline need to be on grass?”  

As a safety-first trampoline brand, we can tell you that finding the right spot for your trampoline is essential for the well-being of your little ones.  

We will use our expertise to tell you exactly where to place your trampoline and what to put it on so your kids can jump freely and safely.  

Do Trampolines Have to Be on Grass?  

No, trampolines do not HAVE to be on grass. However, grass is the most ideal surfacing for a trampoline and would be highly recommended by our safety experts at Springfree. 

Grass provides natural cushioning, which helps absorb impact and protects the trampoline structure – namely the frame and net rods/poles. 

Now, you can place your trampoline on other surfacing – like artificial grass (turf), dirt or concrete. There are no official rules that govern where a trampoline must be placed. 

For example, here is a Springfree Trampoline on turf: 

But those types of harsher surfacing may not offer the same cushioning for the structure that grass offers.  

In fact, hard surfacing can increase the chances of damage to key trampoline components, like the legs.  

In a worst-case scenario, a surface like concrete would also not absorb a fall from the trampoline very well.  

Springfree’s Recommendation: Use grass as the surfacing to place your trampoline on, if possible. If grass is not available in your backyard, see our next section on tips for non-grass backyards.  

What If I Can’t Install a Trampoline on Grass?  

If your yard doesn’t have an adequate grassy spot for the trampoline, there are multiple things you can do to help with safety.   

• Find a flat spot that is free of any rocks, roots or sharp objects (this rule applies to grass surfacing too). Also make sure your trampoline is at least 3-5 ft from surrounding objects. 

• Find the softest surfacing possible. You can even invest in mulch or rubber tiling - - whatever works with your backyard landscaping. 

• Consider adding rubber mats or padding around the base for additional structural support. 

• Ensure your trampoline enclosure net is properly assembled and secure.  

• Use trampoline anchors (on turf or fake grass) or sandbags (on concrete) to anchor down your trampoline so it stays steady while in use and during storms.  

A Springfree Trampoline anchored:  

• Periodically check around the trampoline to make sure the ground surfacing stays intact and well-maintained.   

10 Burning Questions for What to Put Under a Trampoline 

To further educate you on this crucial topic, we’ve rounded up pressing questions from consumers and provided our expert recommendations:  

1. What Surface to Put a Trampoline on?  

Grass is the best surface to put a trampoline on. A grassy area that is flat and even will be your safest bet for trampoline surfacing. If you don’t have a grassy spot to put the trampoline, find the softest surfacing possible and invest in padding to put around the base.  

2. What Is the Best Thing to Put Under a Trampoline?  

If you want to invest in further protection for underneath your trampoline, you can look to buy soft surfacing like rubber mats, grass mats, wood chips and rubber mulch.   

3. Can You Put a Trampoline on Artificial Grass?   

Yes, you can put a trampoline on artificial grass. It won’t be as soft as natural grass but would likely serve as a better option than concrete since you can use anchors to secure the trampoline to the ground.   

4. Is It Okay to Put a Trampoline on Concrete? 

While you can put a trampoline on concrete, it’s not the most ideal option. We always recommend grass, but if you don’t have another choice, use rubber mats or additional padding at the base for further fortification. Also, invest in sandbags to anchor the trampoline for additional stability.   

5. Can You Put a Trampoline on Dirt?   

Yes, you can put a trampoline on dirt, but it won’t be as safe as placing it on natural grass.  The good thing about dirt over a surface like concrete is you can still anchor your trampoline’s legs to the ground. We would still recommend investing in extra padding or mats to ensure you’re as safe as possible.   

6. Should Trampolines Be on Grass or Patio?   

Grass, if possible. You can put a trampoline on a patio, but you may need to invest in additional padding for the base of the trampoline. You also should ensure you have 3-5 ft of clearance space on each side of the trampoline for safety purposes.    

7. Can You Set Up a Trampoline on Slightly Slanted Grass?   

You can set up a trampoline on slightly slanted grass, but we recommend finding the flattest part of your backyard and assembling it there, if possible. If you must assemble on sloped or slanted grass, anchoring your trampoline would be highly advised – especially in windy areas.  

8. Does a Trampoline Have to Be on Flat Ground?   

While it technically doesn’t have to be, trampolines should be assembled on flat ground for the safety of your jumpers. Assembling on uneven ground may cause stability issues with your trampoline.   

9. How Do I Keep My Trampoline From Sinking in the Grass?  

To keep your trampoline from sinking into grass, invest in additional soft surfacing – like rubber mats – to place the trampoline on. We don’t recommend burying an above-ground trampoline, as this could compromise the safety of your jumpers.   

10. How Do You Prepare the Ground for a Trampoline?  

To prepare the ground for a trampoline, start by choosing a flat, level surface free of rocks, roots, and debris to ensure safety and stability. Then, ensure your trampoline is 3-5 ft from surrounding obstacles like fences or sheds. Mow or tidy up the area (if needed) before assembling.  

Need Additional Protection for Your Trampoline? 

Now that you have the right information, you’re ready to get your trampoline up and bouncing!  

If you have a Springfree Trampoline and are interested in further strengthening your trampoline, check out our range of trampoline accessories.  

We’ve got ground anchors, a weather cover and a sunshade that will help keep your trampoline in tip-top shape throughout the seasons – no matter what the weather brings.  

Enjoy your trampoline!