Level Ground Tips for Rectangle Trampoline Setup
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:23 November 2025
Setting up a rectangle trampoline can bring heaps of fun to the backyard, especially for families living in Perth where outdoor play can last nearly year-round. But before jumping into the fun part, it's worth taking the time to make sure the surface beneath your trampoline is flat and stable. Level ground isn't just a small detail. It can make a big difference when it comes to bounce performance and safety for everyone using it.
When a trampoline sits on uneven ground, it might wobble or shift slightly while kids are jumping, which can wear parts down faster or even cause accidents. On top of that, a rectangle trampoline needs to sit flat so that the weight spreads out evenly during use. If the frame is tilted, the springs and mat won’t perform as they should. In a place like Perth, where the soil can vary quite a bit and summers can dry out sections of the yard, picking the right spot and getting the ground ready is definitely something to plan out well.
Assessing Your Yard
Before the trampoline comes out of the box, take a close look at your yard. In Perth, yards tend to range from sandy coastal soil to denser clay in suburbs closer to the hills. These differences can affect where and how you lay down your trampoline base. Start by choosing an area that's already mostly flat and away from fences, trees, or garden beds. A clear 1.5 to 2 metre barrier around the trampoline is a good measure for safe play space.
Once you’ve picked your spot, grab a straight piece of wood or a long spirit level to check the surface. A wooden plank around 2 metres long placed across various sections of the chosen area will quickly show you if there are high or low spots. Walk it across the space in different directions to get a full picture of how uneven it might be. If one side lifts off the ground or there's a noticeable dip, you’ll need to make some adjustments.
To keep track of uneven areas:
- Use string and garden stakes to mark out the trampoline footprint
- Measure from the string line to the ground to find dips or rises
- Mark those areas with spray paint or coloured tape so you know where to level
This step might take a bit of patience, but it helps avoid guesswork later on when you're ready to install. The smoother the surface now, the easier the rest of the setup will be.
Preparing The Ground
Leveling the ground doesn't mean it has to be perfectly flat like concrete. But it should feel stable and even underfoot without lumps or soft patches. Depending on how much adjusting your space needs, you can either dig soil away from raised areas or fill in the dips. For most setups, a mix of topsoil, coarse sand, or crushed gravel works best to make those quick fixes.
Here's how to prepare the area:
1. Shovel away raised spots if any sections stick up too high
2. Fill in low areas using a blend of soil and sand. Tamp it down well with a flat tool or stomp it firmly with your boots
3. Water the filled area lightly and let it sit for a day or two. This helps the ground settle properly so you don’t end up with a trampoline that sinks unevenly over time
4. For yards with poor drainage, you might want to lay down a thin gravel base before laying topsoil. This keeps water from pooling under the mat in winter or after heavy rain
Since it's early summer in Perth during December, dry soil will make things easier. But don’t forget the rain that can come with sudden summer storms. A slight slope away from the centre is sometimes helpful to guide rainwater away instead of straight underneath your trampoline. Once the spot looks even, press down across different sections to check for soft areas. If your feet sink in, pack the soil tighter before moving ahead.
Getting the ground ready might take a bit of sweat upfront, but it saves plenty of headaches once it's time to jump. A strong, level base can make the whole trampoline setup safer and a lot more fun for the adults and kids using it.
Installation Tips for Rectangle Trampolines on Even Ground
Once the ground is flat and compacted, you can move on to setting up the trampoline itself. Starting with a stable area makes the assembly process go more smoothly and lowers the chance that parts will twist or sit unevenly. Lay out the frame first and double-check that each corner makes solid contact with the surface beneath it. If any corner wobbles or lifts up, go back and make a few simple ground adjustments before continuing.
After the base sits flat, assemble the rest of the frame and mat according to the instructions provided. Make sure everything lines up properly. When you're dealing with Perth’s warmer summer weather, metal parts can expand a little in the heat, especially if they’ve been left in the sun during assembly. A tip is to work under shade or early in the morning to avoid overly hot surfaces and keep things fitting together more easily.
Once the mat and springs are attached, it's time to secure the trampoline so it won’t shift during use. Anchoring kits do a good job at keeping the frame in place, especially if wind is a concern. While rectangle frames tend to be heavier than round ones, anchoring is still worth it for peace of mind. Focus on these safety checks once the setup is done:
- Walk around the edges and push down at each corner to test for stability
- Lightly bounce on different areas to confirm even tension across the mat
- Make sure all bolts are tightened and springs are attached firmly
Frame stability is something you don’t want to rush. It directly affects bounce quality and keeps the trampoline from rocking back and forth unnecessarily. If anything feels uneven under the feet, it’s better to fix it before letting the kids loose on it.
Maintaining Ground Level Through Perth’s Seasons
Even the flattest section of ground can shift over time, especially with Perth’s changing climate. Long stretches of heat followed by heavy downpours can compact soil or cause certain spots to sink. This kind of movement isn't anything to worry about if you're checking for it from time to time.
Set a quick calendar reminder to inspect the trampoline area at least every couple of months, particularly after summer storms or when the garden has gone through major watering cycles. You don’t need any fancy equipment to do it. Just walk the border of the trampoline and look underneath. Press gently around each leg. If they wobble or sink, it's a good sign that the ground might need topping up.
Here’s what can help you keep things level long-term:
- Use a long plank or spirit level once every few months across multiple directions
- After rain, check for pooling water or eroded soil and add crushed stone or soil where dips form
- If grass grows around the legs unevenly, trim it back so you can assess the frame clearly
One example we’ve seen in suburban backyards: an area that looked level in December had shifted by mid-autumn due to nearby reticulation overwatering the soil along one side. A quick fix with extra fill and tamping got things settled again quickly. Most times, you won’t have to go to extreme lengths. Just regular checks and small top-ups.
Safe Setup Means More Happy Bounces
A level base doesn’t just help the trampoline sit straight. It gives stability to every jump and helps the frame, springs, and mat last longer. On uneven ground, parts wear down quicker and the bounce loses its balance, which affects how enjoyable it is for both kids and grown-ups.
Putting the trampoline on even, firm ground from the start makes every day of use safer and easier. The upfront work in assessing and preparing your Perth yard saves you from future hassle. With routine checks during dryer months and after unexpected storms, you can keep it all in good shape season after season.
Whether your kids love to tumble, practice flips, or just bounce around, starting with a flat, solid setup means more fun and fewer raised eyebrows from parents watching from the deck. Keep a few tools handy and don't ignore changes when you spot them. A little effort now keeps everyone jumping happily and confidently right through the summer and beyond.
If you're looking to upgrade your backyard for safe and lasting outdoor fun, explore our range of rectangle trampolines in Australia. At Jump Star Trampolines, we offer quality designs that suit Perth families perfectly, helping you create a reliable and enjoyable jumping space for the kids
