Setting Up Your Backyard for Safe Trampoline Use
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:27 October 2025
As the warmer months settle in around Perth and school holidays creep closer, many families look to the backyard for easy outdoor fun. Setting up a trampoline is often at the top of the list. It offers active play, gets the kids off their screens, and lets everyone soak in the sun. It's easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of bouncing, but before anyone takes that first jump, there’s one thing that can’t be skipped: setting it up safely.
A bit of planning goes a long way. From where you position your trampoline to how you prep the ground, small decisions can make a big difference. Trampolines can be a backyard highlight, but only when they're safe and secure. If you’re just pulling one out of storage or setting up brand new equipment, here’s how to create a safer jump space from the ground up.
Picking The Perfect Spot
The first step is choosing where to place your trampoline, and it's not just about squeezing it into an empty corner. You’ll want a flat, stable patch of ground that can handle weight and movement. Uneven or sloped surfaces can make the frame wobble, cause uneven bounce, and even lead to tip-overs. Perth’s dry months tend to harden the soil, so a visual check alone isn’t always enough—use a level if you're unsure.
The area around the trampoline should be just as clear as the space beneath it. You need enough room around all sides to avoid accidents—both in use and during windy spells. Avoid placing the trampoline close to:
- Overhanging tree branches or shedding plants
- Fences, walls, or sheds
- Garden furniture or tool storage
- Pool edges or solid garden features like brick borders
Even if you’ve got limited yard space, don’t get too close to boundaries. Keep at least a metre or two of open space around the entire frame.
If possible, try to position the trampoline in a partly shaded area. Morning sun’s usually fine, but Perth afternoons can be harsh on fabric and skin alike. A bit of fence shade or nearby structure can take the edge off without fully hiding the trampoline from view. Keeping it visible from inside the house helps when supervising too.
Prepping The Ground
Once the spot is sorted, it’s all about making the surface safe. Any leftover debris—rocks, sharp sticks, uneven patches—needs to go. Even thick clumps of dry grass or solid weeds can throw off the setup. Make sure the ground is smooth, dry, and free of surprise bumps that could mess with frame balance.
Using a safety mat or ground cover underneath the trampoline can help minimise wear on both your equipment and your lawn. It also adds a soft layer in case kids fall during entry or exit. Some people line the area with wood chips or rubber tiles, but the key is using something soft and even that won’t shift easily in wind or water.
Drainage is another thing to think about, especially as Perth can get some sudden, heavy downpours during late spring. If the area under your trampoline turns into a puddle or soaks the mat base, it doesn’t just make for slippery landings. It can cause rust on the frame and springs, not to mention faster breakdown of material. Try to avoid low-lying patches or adjust the surface slightly with compacted base to improve runoff.
Assembling The Trampoline Correctly
Trampoline setup is almost always easier as a team job. Don’t try and tackle it all solo. Grab another adult or two—it cuts down the time, helps spot mistakes early, and avoids unnecessary strain. Read every step of the instructions before starting so you're not guessing halfway through the build.
Start by laying out all the parts and checking what’s included. That way, you won’t get caught short when something doesn't fit or is missing. Make sure every spring and bolt is firmly attached. A loose spring can come flying off mid-jump, and missing bolts can lead to wobbly frame legs that slowly shift out of place.
Before your kids get bouncing, take a good look at:
- The mat: check for small holes or frayed edges
- The springs: make sure they’re evenly spaced and tightly attached
- The safety net: it should close properly and stand firm without leaning
- The frame: all legs and connectors should feel sturdy with no visible warping
Once it’s fully built, give the trampoline a test jump yourself or press firmly on the mat with both hands. If it pulls or makes odd sounds, something might need adjusting before letting the kids on.
The goal here isn’t just getting the fun rolling—it’s making sure the fun keeps going without avoidable accidents. The rest of your setup is about that continued safety.
Adding Safety Features That Actually Matter
Once the frame is up and the mat's secure, it’s time to layer on smart safety features. This isn’t about ticking boxes. These small additions can stop bruises, bumps, or worse from turning playtime into stress.
Start with the safety net. It should run the full height of the trampoline and sit tight against the frame so limbs can’t slip through gaps. Look for one that fastens securely—zips are usually stronger than clip-ins. A saggy or damaged net won’t do much if someone lands in it hard, especially after a high bounce or off-balance tumble.
Next up is frame padding. The springs on a trampoline must be completely covered with thick mats. Padding should hug the edges without shifting around with every step. It’s worth checking that all corners are protected too if you're using a rectangle model. This helps cut down on exposed metal or hard edges that kids often crawl across without thinking.
The ladder gets missed more than it should. It needs to attach firmly to the frame and rest flat on the ground. Loose or tilted ladders cause more falls than people expect, especially for young kids coming down in a hurry. Some families even install basic ground-level stepping tiles nearby to reduce muddy patches or tripping hazards around the entrance.
Once these physical pieces are in place, it’s about setting agreements on how the trampoline’s used:
- Keep the bouncing to one person at a time
- Ban flips unless there’s proper supervision
- Take shoes off before jumping
- No pets or sharp toys allowed on the mat
- Regularly check for open zips or shifted net poles
The idea is to make trampoline time feel free and fun, without forgetting what could go wrong if you leave things unchecked.
Backyard Play That’s Fun and Safe
Now that everything’s set up, here comes the part where the fun begins. A trampoline can quickly become the centre of outdoor activity, especially on sunny afternoons or weekends. If you've taken care to build good habits early, it becomes easier to enjoy the perks without stress sitting in the back of your mind.
Adults should supervise young kids during play and remind them of the house rules if things get too wild. Even older kids benefit from time limits since long jump sessions can cause fatigue, which leads to clumsy accidents. Set up shady spots nearby with water bottles or fruit snacks so they can pause and cool off before heading back in.
If your trampoline starts losing attention after a few weeks, bring it back into focus with a few extras. Chalk for jumping games, a speaker for bounce-to-the-beat challenges, or even just setting up play rotations between siblings can keep things exciting without relying on new gear.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the equipment even after setup. Perth’s warmer months can be tough on materials, especially fabric and padding. A quick scan once a week makes it easier to catch problems early, like overstretched springs or thinning mat spots. Tighten any parts that feel loose and clean away leaves or dirt before they start sticking to the frame.
Trampolines should be a source of reliable fun, not frustration or injury. The better the effort you put into planning, setup, and regular care, the more confident you'll feel every time the backyard laughter starts up again. When the space is safe and the play is managed, that bouncing energy becomes something everyone in the home can enjoy without worry.
Ready to transform your backyard into a fun and safe haven for the kids? Consider the versatility and stability of a rectangle trampoline from Jump Star Trampolines, ideal for active play and endless laughter. Our products are designed with safety and quality in mind, ensuring peace of mind as your family enjoys the perfect outdoor experience. Embrace the joy of carefree bouncing right at home!
