Will a Trampoline Kill the Grass?
Updated 7/10/2023
If you’re like many prospective trampoline owners, you’ve probably wondered whether a trampoline can kill your grass. This is an important question, as you consider the pros and cons of owning this equipment. Not only does a trampoline become a part of your yard, but, due to its size, it also impacts yard maintenance and upkeep.
If you ask trampoline owners and lawn care experts, you will get mixed answers. The fact is that each yard and each potential spot for a trampoline results in a different answer. While some agree that a trampoline does kill grass in its vicinity, others will declare that it has an opposite effect and that grass grows the tallest in that spot.
So, what is the answer, and what can you do about it?
A trampoline can potentially kill your grass, but we’ll address how to keep that from happening by expounding on the root cause.
Why a Trampoline Can Damage Your Lawn
Compression and Wear
Continuous use of a trampoline in the same location can result in the grass underneath becoming compressed and worn out. This can lead to the grass dying or becoming patchy.
Lack of Sunlight and Airflow
Trampolines block sunlight and restrict airflow to the underlying grass. As a result, the grass may struggle to receive adequate sunlight, nutrients and oxygen, which can impact its health and growth.
Moisture Accumulation
Trampolines can create a barrier that prevents rainwater from reaching the grass underneath. Prolonged moisture accumulation can lead to waterlogging and create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
How to Prepare the Grass for Your Trampoline and Keep it Alive
Placement
Consider where you want to put your trampoline, as well as if you can move it around in your yard. If it is going to be in a shadier side of the yard, consider adding grass seed and grass feed to maintain grass growth. This is important if the trampoline installation is going to keep it stationary and/or anchored to the ground.
Drainage
Another point to consider is drainage. If your yard has adequate drainage, then you won’t get a mini lake under your trampoline. Not only will the amount of water affect the grass growth, but this can also make the ground unstable for the legs.
Trampoline Base
Consider installing a protective layer directly between your grass and trampoline to shield your grass from the trampoline’s compression or impact.
How Frequently Should You Move the Trampoline to Protect the Grass?
Move the Trampoline Regularly
To help distribute the impact of having the trampoline in the same area of your yard, regularly move it to a different location, so there’s not excessive wear on your grass.
Move the Trampoline During Lawncare
If you mow your grass once a week and you have the space to move your trampoline to multiple spots during the summer, then make it part of your lawn care routine to move your trampoline each time the mower comes out. It may help keeping it trimmed along with the rest of your lawn.
Otherwise, monitor the color of your grass under the trampoline to determine if it needs to move to the other side of the yard more frequently.
Consider Removing the Trampoline Temporarily
If you’re not using the trampoline for a specific length of time, give your grass a break and time to grow, so the area can receive the sunlight it needs.
How to Cut the Grass Under Your Trampoline?
Continued Maintenance
Keep an eye on the condition of your lawn beneath the trampoline. If you notice significant damage or signs of distress, consider aerating, fertilizing or reseeding the affected areas.
Depending on the size of your trampoline or yard, the easiest approach to cutting your grass is moving its location. This is ideal for smaller trampolines that are lighter weight or if you have someone who can help you move it, to at least the width of your trampoline. Some trampoline owners have been able to reach under the equipment with a weed whacker or push mower, for taller trampolines.
How to Repair the Lawn if the Trampoline has Damaged the Grass?
Just like any lawn repair, you can replant grass seed, especially if the trampoline has to return to that location. Laying sod or turf is another option that is more immediate, though a bit more costly. Sometimes the grass is fine, but there are holes left behind from the legs. Once again, grass seed and dirt — to fill in the gaps — will bring that patch of yard back to its former glory.
Consider an Inground Trampoline
An inground trampoline allows sunlight to reach the grass beneath, so the grass can thrive. It also allows better air flow, which reduces mildew.
Other Alternatives
If maintaining the grass is no longer an option or you want an easier way to maintain a beautiful yard, there are alternatives to a grassy underside of a trampoline. Some trampoline owners have kept the trampoline in one location, due to yard space or user safety, so they laid mulch or bark under the equipment. To keep it in place, they outlined the circle. In the end, they created a spot that looked like it was made for the trampoline. This is also ideal to help with drainage issues.
If the trampoline ever goes away, the spot can be replaced with a garden plot for flowers or a patio area that has already been cleared. Synthetic grass in the area of the trampoline keeps the area green without the worry of maintenance. Another idea is to have an in-ground trampoline. It requires less maintenance and may be safer for smaller jumpers.
The amount of grass that grows under your trampoline depends on a number of circumstances, but it can all be managed, mended or enhanced. If you don’t like something about the look of your yard, you can change it with small DIY fixes. The same is true with the look of your trampoline.
