Anchoring a Trampoline Against Wind
Fall and winter storms lift backyard trampolines over fences and into neighbors' cars. How anchor kits work, which kind fits your yard, and what to do before a big wind.
A trampoline is basically a giant kite. The mat and the net catch wind, the frame is light for its size, and a strong gust can flip it, roll it across the yard, or lift it over the fence. Every fall and winter storm season brings photos of trampolines on roofs and in the street.
Anchoring it takes an afternoon and a kit that costs less than replacing the net.
Types of anchors
U-shaped wind stakes. Steel stakes that go over the frame's legs and hammer into the ground. Cheap, quick, and fine for moderate wind in firm soil. Not enough for big storms or soft ground.
Auger (corkscrew) anchors with straps. Screw-in anchors twisted deep into the ground, with ratchet straps over the frame. Much stronger. The best choice for most yards.
Sandbags. Useful on hard ground where you can't screw anything in, or as extra weight on the legs. Heavy, and they break down in the sun over time.
How to anchor it
- Use at least one anchor per leg, more on large trampolines.
- Strap over the top rail, close to the legs, not in the middle of a span.
- Screw the augers in all the way, at a slight angle away from the trampoline.
- Tighten the straps until the frame is snug to the ground but not bent.
- Check them monthly, and after every big storm. Straps loosen and the ground shifts with freezing and thawing.
When a big storm is coming
- Take the net off, or at least unhook it and tie it down. The net catches the most wind.
- Some people flip the trampoline over in very high winds. It reduces lift, but it's still a big object. Anchor it anyway.
- Consider taking the mat off if you're expecting a major windstorm and it's easy on your model.
Winter
Wind isn't the only winter problem. Snow load and freeze-thaw are hard on the mat and springs. See winterizing a trampoline.
Insurance
If your trampoline ends up in a neighbor's yard, it's an insurance question. Some policies treat trampolines differently. Anchoring it is the easiest way to avoid finding out.
Safety
An anchored trampoline is also safer to use: it won't shift when kids jump near the edge. See trampoline safety rules for kids.
Photo by Hans on Pixabay.