As you prepare the yard for your trampoline, you ought to think about the lawn too.
Does a trampoline kill grass?
Yes, A trampoline can kill the grass underneath it, especially if precautions are not taken to preserve the grass.
If the trampoline’s jumping mat filters out direct sunlight and stops water from reaching the soil under the trampoline, the grass won’t survive.
Let’s delve deeper to understand why grass dies when you place your trampoline on the lawn.
Oh, and you’ll also learn what to do to keep your grass from dying as you keep bouncing on the trampoline.
Here we go:
Factors that Contribute to Grass Dying Under the Trampoline
When you understand why your trampoline is killing the grass underneath it, you’ll be able to determine how to save the grass.
A trampoline placed directly over the grass is bound to affect the grass.
In most cases, the grass will die.
This is because the trampoline mat prevents sunlight and moisture from reaching the grass underneath.
The grass dries up for lack of necessary nutrients, including;
Sunlight Supply
For grass to grow naturally, it needs a constant supply of sunlight. The sunlight will help it produce chlorophyll, which is necessary for a green, lively appearance.
Overseeding using shade tolerant grass under the trampoline can help the grass stay thick throughout the year.
If you reside in cold regions, you can use fescue, which is cold and shade tolerant and can staying alive under your trampoline.
If in a warm region, use Zoysia grass, which can withstand shade and heat.
Size and Weight of Trampoline
A big size trampoline blocks light from the ground and also causes low spots, causing regular overwatering.
The weight of your trampoline can damage the grass, killing it. Large, heavy trampolines are likely to sink into the ground over time.
Lack of Drainage
Too much water under your trampoline is bad for the grass.
It is essential to have proper drainage in your yard when you have a trampoline.
Without it, you’ll have a pool of water, which is quite hazardous.
The trampoline legs are likely to sink, too, making the jumping surface uneven and dangerous.
The Best Way to Prevent the Grass from Getting Damaged or Killed by the Trampoline
Your trampoline can affect the grass underneath positively or negatively.
It can be a cause for concern if you need your lawn well-manicured.
Once you place the trampoline permanently on the lawn, you have to take precautions to preserve the grass underneath.
There are various ways to prevent dead grass patches from forming underneath your trampoline.
These include:
Placing a Sprinkler Under the Trampoline
To keep the grass growing, you can place a sprinkler under your trampoline once in a while.
This will help to water the grass also keep the ground moist.
Having a sprinkler underneath the unit will not affect its integrity as it won’t damage the frame and mat.
Place Reflective Lawn Décor Next to Your Trampoline
Some grass types thrive in diffused light when it’s not entirely blocked.
A shiny lawn ornament can help reflect sun rays under the trampoline.
Since light is all that is needed by the grass for photosynthesis, this will serve the purpose.
Shift Trampoline Positions Regularly
To keep the grass healthy, you can commit to shifting the trampoline from one place of the yard to the other.
This will allow the grass to recover fast after a period of no nutrients and sunlight.
Your yard will remain green if you move the trampoline from time to time.
However, this option is viable if you have ample space in your yard to move the trampoline to.
Also, moving your trampoline is only possible if your unit is small.
A large, heavy trampoline is not easy to move around.
Sometimes you may be too busy to perform the actions above.
There are other options for dealing with dying grass.
These include;
Placing Your Trampoline Over Gravel
You can create a gravel patch in your yard and place your trampoline there.
This will minimize the concern about the landscaping underneath the trampoline.
Install Organic Material Under the Mat
Spread organic material under the trampoline, such as sand, wood chips, or mulch.
These materials will form a soft, stable surface that absorbs impact without the need to micromanage any grass down there.
Forming an organic base is a one-time procedure.
To do this, dig up a 12ft deep trench with up to 6ft space around the trampoline.
Then fill it with the material. Make sure to install trimming around the trampoline edge to keep the material intact.
Put a Grass Mat Under the Trampoline
A synthetic grass mat will lessen your worry about the grass growing underneath your trampoline.
The mat not only removes maintenance; you’ll also eliminate the need to shift the trampoline to different areas of the yard.
Do All Trampolines Kill Grass?
Not all trampolines will kill the grass underneath.
This only happens when the trampoline prevents the ground from getting sunlight or moisture.
Modern trampoline mats are designed to filter the sun’s rays and allow them to get through and reach the grass.
The mat will diffuse and shade the grass, allowing the area to cool as the grass grows.
When the unit is placed over a sprinkler head, the grass will get enough moisture and light to thrive.
Whether your trampoline will kill the grass will depend on your specific geographic location, your soil type, the type of grass, how your trampoline mat is designed, the angle the sun hits your yard from, and more.
There are other situations where your trampoline will make the grass underneath grow better.
For example, if you live in a transition zone area with a cold season grass type, the grass will continue to grow.
Repairing the Lawn When the Grass is Damaged By the Trampoline
Like with any other lawn, you can replant grass seeds that the trampoline has killed.
You can lay turf or sod too, although this option will cost you more.
When the grass is okay, but the trampoline legs have left behind a few holes, use grass seed and dirt to fill the holes and patch up the yard.
If you find lawn maintenance tedious and want the easiest way out, use the above methods.
Sometimes your yard doesn’t have enough space to rotate your trampoline. Laying mulch or bark under it will be the only option.
The best thing about keeping the area underneath neat is that you can replace the spot with a flower garden once the equipment is removed or make it a patio area.
Synthetic grass can also keep the place clean, with no need for maintenance.
Or, instead of buying an above-ground trampoline, you can opt for an in-ground (sunken) unit.
Cutting the Grass Under the Trampoline
Depending on your trampoline size, you can move it on the side to cut the grass. This will be possible if you have a small, lightweight trampoline or if you have help.
For larger units, you can reach under it with a push mower or weed whacker if it’s tall enough.
To Sum It Up
The amount of grass under your trampoline depends on certain circumstances. It’s good to know that such situations can be mended, managed, or enhanced.
Although it can be worrying to see the grass die under your trampoline, you can do something about it.
The recommendations above will help you find a lasting solution that will work for you and the yard. In the end, you’ll enjoy trampolining without worrying about the grass.
