Best Places to Locate A Kids Trampoline For Safer Bouncing

Everyone loves the idea of having a trampoline in their garden because of the tremendous fun, excitement and health benefits that come with trampolining but taking a few minutes to consider where best to position your trampoline normally helps to deliver a better overall experience.

Placing your trampoline on soft, flat ground in an area free from obstructions, like trees, fences, garden sheds, parked cars and clothes lines is normally the best choice. Our top picks include grass, bark, rubber mulch and sand that will absorb some of the energy from the trampoline.

 

Best Surfaces for Trampolines

#1 Soft Ground - Grass, Bark, Rubber Mulching

Generally, the best surfaces for trampolines are soft ground like grass, rubber mulching, artificial grass, wood bark and so on where the impact of the trampoline against the ground is cushioned by the soft ground.

This also tends to be better for the trampoline as the soft ground is easier and less jarring on the trampoline frame, thereby increasing its lifespan.

#2 Concrete & Tarmac

While locating a trampoline on concrete or tarmac is certainly possible, it isn't the preferred option, as the ground is quite hard, and the trampoline frame can wear that little bit quicker.

However, some people will use rubber matting underneath the trampoline legs to produce a cushioning effect.

#3 Decking & Patios

Similarly, installing a trampoline on decking or a patio isn't the most recommended option because its a harder surface, but it is possible and once again people will sometimes use rubber matting on their decking or patio.

 

Things to Avoid When Deciding Where to Locate Your Trampoline

1. Avoid overhanging trees and branches as you don't want any mid-air collisions, especially if the branches grow quickly between autumn and spring, and suddenly encroach on the trampoline space. Equally, you will want to avoid washing lines and anything else that might overhang into the jumping space.
2. Avoid fences, hedges, garden sheds and walls - we recommend that you follow the trampoline manufacturers guidance on making sure that there is the appropriate amount of clearance space around your trampoline, 
3. Avoid locating your trampoline on a slope or on uneven ground. The danger here is that all the weigh moves to one side of the trampoline and the trampoline is toppled. Take some time before you build the trampoline to level the ground underneath the trampoline legs, and anchor the legs into the ground to produce a safe and level jumping environment.
4. Avoid locating too close to water - especially if the trampoline is being used without a safety net enclosure, it is important not to place too close to swimming pools, paddling pools, lakes or rivers.
5. Avoid buying a trampoline that is too big for your space. Manufacturers normally recommend 1 to 2 metres of clearance around the trampoline to prevent collisions with hard objects like trees, fences, gates and so on.
6. Avoid locations too far from your house - it is important that your kids are supervised when they are on your trampoline so that you can adequately look out for their safety so do not position the trampoline in a place where it is difficult for you to know what is going on.
7. Avoid placing in areas that are too exposed - we say this really so that appropriate safe measures are taken to properly secure your trampoline to the ground in the event of storms or windy weather.
8. Avoid areas where you feel that there could be a potential danger. It should always be safety first.

What do you put under a trampoline?

The best things for under your trampoline include -

• rubber mulch,
• wood chips,
• play sand,
• artificial grass,
• grass,
• rubber matting.

How do you prepare the ground for a trampoline?

We recommend a general tidy-up of the garden before you install and build your trampoline. The new trampoline will certainly take up some room in your garden, so we recommend doing as much as possible before it arrives.

1. tidy the garden and dump any junk that is sitting around,
2. cut the grass so that it is short underneath the trampoline,
3. clear the space so that when the trampoline arrives that it easy to unbox and lay everything out so that it easy to build.

Best Trampolines for Uneven Ground

Inground trampolines can be perfect for uneven ground because with an inground trampoline you will often need the services of a mini digger and driver to dig the hole and when they're digging the hole they can easily level the ground around the trampoline to create a safer jumping experience for your kids.

Can You Move Your Trampoline After You Install It?

Inground & Flatground Trampolines

With an inground or flatground trampoline you will have dug quite a large hole, approximately three feet deep so although it will be quite easy to move the trampoline frame and net, the more difficult aspect will be to dig a new hole and to fill in the old hole.

Regular Above Ground Trampolines

Regular above-ground trampolines are much easier to move around the garden or even to another garden. And there is no hole to fill in, or to redig.

Providing that appropriate care is taken not to hurt the movers or to damage the trampoline most trampolines can be slid around the garden or lifted if you have enough strong people to help.

Additionally, Springfree Trampolines have created moving wheels for their trampolines that will allow one person to move their 100kg plus trampoline around the garden with ease.

How Do Trampolines Normally Get Delivered?

As you will know trampolines are very large and heavy objects, often in excess of 100kg so its not the same as posting or receiving a 2kg parcel.

Trampolines are typically delivered on a pallet by a local transport company who are part of a larger pallet delivery network.

Its just important to be aware that the boxes will be large and heavy and that you will need help to move them as most delivery drivers will deliver to your address, and may not have time to help you to move them into position.

Extra Steps to Take Once Your Trampoline Is In Place

The final steps to take once you have decided where to position your trampoline and you have it built are as follows -

#1 check that everything is securely fastened - that the bolts are properly tightened, the springs all fit snugly and correctly, the net is adequately provisioned.

#2 that the jump mat and padding over the springs are fastened in place - this is particularly important, as these are main working components of trampoline,

#3 that the ladder for entrance and exit is properly built and fixed to the trampoline

#4 that the trampoline is anchored to the ground

Once you have taken the steps above we recommend relaxing with a cool beverage or an ice cream and then some bouncing, as your work for today is done.