Every gust of wind may send your anxiety sky high for trampoline owners. After all, that’s the last place you want to see your trampoline – up in the sky! It’s every owner’s nightmare to find their trampoline rolling down the cul-de-sac.
It’s a well-grounded fear, as we’ve all seen the Tik-Toks and newsreels of trampolines gone wild. Buuut…it’s not only wind that can flip a trampoline! Even during non-windy conditions, a faulty jump or too many kiddos on the mat can also cause a wayward whisk of a trampoline.
But fear not; you do not have to succumb to this flipping fate! When you properly anchor your trampoline, you can rest easy while your kids jump on those breezy days.
This article will give you plenty of options for ways you can effectively anchor your trampoline. Choose what works best for you and get to work!
How much wind does it take to blow a trampoline away?
Every time that wind picks up, we know what you’re thinking…just how much wind does it take to blow a trampoline away? Winds over 40mph can send your trampoline catapulting over the fence. That isn’t to say that winds slower than this cannot lift a trampoline. All in all, it’s best to be prepared and get that trampoline secured to the ground.
Options to Keep Your Trampoline From Blowing Away
There are many options for anchoring your trampoline to the ground. Differing anchor methods or kits give you a selection range that allows you to choose what works best for your setup. Below, we’ll discuss these options in detail!
1. Corkscrew Anchors
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A very common method of anchoring a trampoline is using a corkscrew anchoring kit. This type of anchor can protect a trampoline in winds up to 100mph!
The typical setup includes the corkscrew anchors that install directly next to a leg, and a buckle strap, that loops around the top and bottom of the frame before inserting into the top of the corkscrew stake.
These are readily available from online and trampoline retailers. They are very secure, easy to install, and simple to remove. Commonly touted as one of the most secure ways of anchoring a trampoline, corkscrew kits are highly recommended among trampoline brands!
Pro:
- Very secure
- Easy to install
- Better in very windy environments
- Anchors trampoline in winds up to 100mph
Con:
- Often a bit more expensive than other methods
2. U-shaped Anchors
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Another popular choice for trampoline anchors is u-shaped kits. Also known as wind stakes, this anchor style can protect trampolines in winds under 60mph.
Instead of using a screw method to insert into the ground, these stakes simply hammer in over the trampoline legs. The stake is equal in length on both sides, providing extra strength when tapped into the ground. They can be tricky to remove and require a hammer for set up.
Pro:
- Secure
- Easy to install with a hammer
- Cheaper than corkscrew anchors
- Protect against winds under 60mph
- Low profile anchoring system
Con:
- Difficult to remove
- Not quite as secure as corkscrew anchors
3. J-shaped Anchors
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J-shaped anchors provide similar security compared to u-shaped stakes. However, with one edge shorter than the other, there is less strength bolting the trampoline to the ground.
You can choose to hammer them directly over the legs of the trampoline or attach straps from the frame.
Pro:
- Simple to use
- Widely available to purchase or replace
Con:
- Not the most secure system
4. T Stakes
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You can acquire T-style stakes and straps for a different anchoring system to do the job yourself. These stakes are pin-straight points that you will hammer into the ground. Ratchet straps may not work for this style, so rope would be the best choice. This leaves it less adjustable in the future.
Anchor the stakes into the ground, then attach straps from the stake to the outer diameter frame of the trampoline. Use four sets of anchors for a stable hold.
Pro:
- Adequately anchors trampoline against light to moderate wind
- A simple DIY project
Con:
- No way of knowing exactly what wind your DIY system can withstand.
- May not be able to use ratchet straps
5. Sandbags
An alternative way of anchoring a trampoline is to use sandbags. This can be a good choice if your trampoline is on top of pavement (though this isn’t the safest location for a trampoline) or on hard-packed ground that is difficult to stake.
Place sandbags at equal distances across the bottom legs of your trampoline to provide stability against winds. You can also use sandbags to accompany in-ground staking systems as an extra security measure.
To add sandbags to an already anchored trampoline, it’s recommended that you place two sandbags over each leg.
Pro:
- Cheap and easy to access
- Very quick to remove to reposition or store trampoline
- Can be used in congruence with in-ground staking methods
Con:
- Will not completely anchor a trampoline to the ground
- Sandbags can become misplaced by children
6. Star Pickets
Some kits utilize star-pickets, triangular-shaped spades that hammer into the ground. Also included are ratchet straps to attach the picket to the trampoline frame. These stakes are designed to be hammered on the inside of the trampoline, positioned underneath the jumping mat.
This anchoring style is low-profile and provides no tripping hazards. It’s easy to install and quick to readjust.
Pro:
- Low-profile set up
- Easy install
Con:
- Not as secure as corkscrew stakes
7. Heavy Duty Anchors
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Similar to the corkscrew stakes, this style of heavy-duty anchor provides a very solid staking system. Using a drill, you can insert these solid anchors into the ground. Like other kit systems, a metal ring on the top of the stake allows you to use a ratchet strap.
Pro:
- Though lightweight, these anchors are strong and sturdy
- Provides a secure anchor
Con:
- Need to use a drill to install
- Requires straps as well
8. Chain Kit
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A loop and chain system is an all-metal anchoring kit. The material is rust-proof, and the chain length can be adjusted based on your anchoring needs. Similarly to the strap and stake setup, you can position these loops to your liking. You will need to also use a set of auger anchors to accompany this system.
Pro:
- Cheap
- Easy to set up
Con:
- Requires some tools
- Requires auger anchors as well
9. Inground Trampoline
Not only are inground trampolines considered generally safer than above-ground trampolines, but they are also at a much lesser risk of flying off! The jumping mat sits nearly flush with the ground, so there is no leverage for winds to whisk in and flip it over.
Though the trampoline design is very secure, you can also choose to anchor the legs to the ground. This will provide even more resistance against wind and weather conditions.
The one downside to in-ground trampolines is that they are very expensive! If you already have an above-ground trampoline, replacing it outright for the simple act of anchoring it may not be the most viable option.
Pro:
- Very secure trampoline style
- Can also choose to anchor the frame under the ground
Con:
- Expensive!
- Intense install and difficult to move afterward placement
10. Storm-proof It
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What’s the best way to keep your trampoline from blowing away? Packing it up into your garage. Seriously, if your area is expecting a serious storm, the only way you can truly rest easy that your trampoline is secure is to move it indoors.
Thankfully, storm-watchers give us plenty of warning ahead of time. Spend the extra effort to disassemble your trampoline and stash it in your garage to outwait the coming storm.
Final Comments
You have plenty of options for anchoring your trampoline to prevent it from blowing away. Depending on your yard and trampoline location, there are several methods to choose from. Whatever you decide, get that jumper nailed down before the next gust comes along!
