How to Prepare Your Backyard for a Trampoline (Without Ruining Your Grass)

Published December 22, 2025 | By Matt

Installing a trampoline sounds simple—put it on the lawn and let the kids jump.
In reality, that’s how you end up with dead grass, muddy patches, and an uneven trampoline within a few weeks.

If you want your trampoline to stay level, safe, and not destroy your yard, the ground prep matters. Below is the grass-smart way to do it, based on real homeowner experiences and basic landscaping principles.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot First

Before touching the grass, choose the location carefully.

Look for:

A flat or nearly flat area
6–8 feet of clearance on all sides
No overhead branches, fences, or wires
No low spots where water collects after rain

👉 If the area already puddles, putting a trampoline there will make it worse.

Step 2: Understand What Happens to Grass Under a Trampoline

Here’s the honest truth most people learn the hard way:

Grass under a stationary trampoline almost always dies
Shade + foot traffic + compacted soil = bare dirt
Once the grass is gone, rain turns it into mud

Some people move their trampoline regularly to keep grass alive—but for most families, that becomes unrealistic fast.

The smarter move: plan for the grass underneath to not survive and prepare accordingly.

Step 3: Remove the Grass (Don’t Just Flatten It)

Instead of letting the grass die slowly, remove it intentionally.

How:

Strip 2–4 inches of grass and topsoil
Make the cleared area slightly larger than the trampoline frame

Why this works:

Prevents muddy buildup
Stops weeds from pushing through later
Creates a stable base instead of soft, sinking turf

Step 4: Level the Ground Properly

A trampoline exaggerates even small slopes.

To level correctly:

Use a long straight board (2×4) with a level
Dig down high spots instead of filling low spots
Aim for fully level—not “close enough”

⚠️ Avoid building up low areas with loose soil. It will compact unevenly and cause the frame to tilt.

Step 5: Install a Weed Barrier (This Is Key)

Lay down landscape fabric over the cleared soil.

Benefits:

Blocks weeds and grass regrowth
Keeps soil from mixing into your base
Reduces mud and erosion

Secure it tightly with landscape staples.

Step 6: Choose the Best Surface Under the Trampoline

You have a few solid options depending on budget and aesthetics.

Option A: Crushed Stone (Best Overall)

2–3 inches of ¼” crushed stone or stone screenings
Lightly compacted

Pros: Excellent drainage, clean look, low maintenance
Cons: Slightly more labor upfront

Option B: Rubber Mulch

Soft and kid-friendly
Drains well

Pros: Clean appearance, no splinters
Cons: More expensive than stone

Option C: Landscape Fabric Only (Temporary)

Works short term

Cons: Dusty, wears quickly, not ideal long-term

Step 7: Install the Trampoline and Re-Check Level

Once assembled:

Make sure all legs sit firmly
No rocking or sinking
Re-check level after the frame is fully loaded

Optional but smart:

Place pavers or flat stones under each leg
Helps prevent sinking during wet seasons

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Leaving the trampoline directly on grass
❌ Ignoring drainage issues
❌ Filling low spots instead of digging high spots
❌ Skipping weed barrier fabric

These mistakes lead to:

Mud pits
Rusted legs
Uneven bounce
Re-doing the entire setup later

Optional Upgrades That Make Life Easier

Edging around the base to contain stone or mulch
Stepping stones from the yard to the trampoline
Ground anchors for wind safety

Quick Rule of Thumb

If you want your trampoline to:

Stay level
Avoid mud
Look intentional in your yard

👉 Grass out → fabric down → draining base in.

Final Thought

A trampoline doesn’t have to wreck your lawn—but it will if you treat it like temporary yard furniture. A little prep upfront saves you months of mess and frustration later. By the way, here are some of the best backyard trampolines.

If you want help dialing this in further (yard slope, soil type, trampoline size), you can tailor this setup easily with a few small adjustments.