Can You Have A Trampoline Without A Fence?

A trampoline is a wonderful investment for your backyard. But as amazing as it is, it does bring a fair bit of things to worry about.

How do you make it safer? How do you set it up? And do you need a fence around it? These are just a few major questions that come to mind when you buy a new trampoline. And these are all great questions.

But today, I would like to talk about one question in particular – can you have a trampoline without a fence?

Can You Have a Trampoline Without a Fence?

Honestly, there is no straight and simple answer to this question.

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Since there are no federal laws requiring you to put up a fence around your trampoline, you do not need to worry about it too much.

But, before you go out and get a trampoline right away, I will suggest you take a moment to consider how your neighbors might feel about it.

Think of it this way, if your neighbors didn’t have a fence, and every afternoon, you would see them having a complete vision of your backyard when they are bouncing on your backyard, how would you feel about it. If it were me, I would feel like my privacy was being violated.

Putting on a trampoline without a fence to cover it is a bit weird, to say the least. It can be awkward for the neighbors, and you would honestly have a better experience if you put up a fence around it.

But that’s not the only issue here. Let me take you deeper into the subject so that you can decide for yourself whether you want to set up a trampoline in your backyard without a fence.

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Do You Need a Fence Around a Trampoline?

Technically, you don’t need a fence around your trampoline.

Most states allow you to use a trampoline in your backyard as long as you have safety enclosures around it. And a fence in your backyard is not the same as the safety net. The purpose of the fence is to protect your privacy, not provide safety against injuries.

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Then again, do you want to put a trampoline in your backyard without a fence? There are a couple of issues here that you might want to think about.

For one thing, without a fence protecting your property, just about anyone can get access to your trampoline. So, if a neighbor’s kid just walks up and decides to have a go at your trampoline and hurt himself in the process, it would be your fault. Without a fence, your property is not as well protected as you would like.

Besides, you also open yourself up for a lot of complaints from the neighbors. They might feel that their privacy is being violated and that you can peek into their homes whenever you are jumping on your trampoline for a fun time. And to be fair, you cannot really blame them for feeling that way.

Personally, I recommend putting up a fence around your backyard, not only so that you can use your trampoline in peace but also for your privacy and protection against intruders. So, if you are a homeowner, I would suggest investing in proper fencing around your property.

In fact, this is one of the main reasons why I do not recommend putting a trampoline in the front yard. Most front yards do not have fences around them which means installing a trampoline there is not a great idea at all.

While you are not bound by state laws to put up a fence around your trampoline, ethically, it is the right thing to do. After all, you do not want everyone to have access to your new, high-end trampoline, do you?

Furthermore, even though the state and neighborhood laws allow you to use a trampoline without a fence, your insurance company might not be as lenient. So, you might want to check in with them if you want to put your trampoline in your backyard, which does not have a fence around it.

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Finally, if your home is registered under the homeowner’s association, you need to check in with them, too, to see if you are within your rights when you are using a trampoline without a fence.

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Can You Have a Trampoline Without a Fence in Florida?

Remember how I said most states do not worry too much about the fence around a trampoline? Well, when you live in Florida, things become a bit complicated.

The state of Florida recognizes the curious nature of children. By Florida laws, if you have an attractive item, such as a trampoline, on your property, and a child gets injured because of it, even if the child is the trespasser, you can be held liable.

For example, if your kid happens to wander into another person’s backyard and gets injured using their trampoline, you can file a complaint against the person. And if the person neglected to put safety nets around the trampoline or even fencing around the backyard to prevent access from outsider children, you may even win the case.

As you can see, this can make things a bit more complex compared to other states. So having a trampoline without a fenced-in backyard can become a massive liability for the owner. I would recommend simply putting up fences around your backyard if you want to get a trampoline to avoid such issues.

To be safe though, your best course of action would be to consult a lawyer when you decide to get a new trampoline. He should be well-versed in state laws and can guide you accordingly depending on where you live. It is as I always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Can You Put a Trampoline Next to a Fence?

Yes, you can put a trampoline next to a fence, but that is not a good idea.

For the best experience, there should be a decent bit of space between the fence and the trampoline. And there are three main reasons for it.

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Firstly, if the trampoline is right next to the fence, it is not very safe. It might rub too close to the safety net on the trampoline, and you can collide with the fence even when you are inside the trampoline. Needless to say, an awkward bump with even a wooden fence can hurt a lot.

Another reason why you do not want the trampoline right up against the fence is that it would not solve the issue of privacy. If the trampoline is too close to the fence, you will get a clear line of sight into your neighbor’s yard when you jump on it.

Personally, I would recommend putting your trampoline near the center of the yard. Not only is it safer, but it also protects you against the neighbor’s complaints. Besides, a trampoline in the middle of the backyard also looks quite pretty.

Finally, if the fence is too close to the trampoline, it can damage the safety enclosure. Even if you are not using the trampoline, strong winds can cause the netting to move and rub off against the fence. You might not notice it right away, but over time, the material of the trampoline net can start to wear out.

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How Close Can a Trampoline be To a Fence?

Ideally, you would want a bit of distance between your trampoline and your fence. But how much space is enough space?

Well, it depends mostly on the size of the trampoline. I have already talked about how much space you would need around your trampoline in a separate article which could give you a good insight into this question. But in short, you would want at least 9 feet of distance between the fence and your trampoline.

Personally, I do not recommend putting your trampoline anywhere close to the fence. Instead, you should always aim for the center of the yard. This would make sure there is absolutely no chance of anyone colliding with the fence when they are jumping on the trampoline.

Safety is always important, and if you put up a trampoline right next to your fence, you are always at risk of bumping into it.

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Parting Wisdom

In most states, you probably would be fine using a trampoline without a fence. But I would strongly advise against it. It sets you up for a lot of complaints from your neighbors, and frankly, it is really not worth the hassle.

Besides, a fence on your property is never a bad investment. It ensures proper privacy and protection against trespassers. So, for your own safety, getting a fence around your property is a nice idea.

Hopefully, my in-depth exploration of the subject could help you understand whether you can or cannot (along with the ethical conundrum) have a trampoline without a fence. Cheers!