Like the stakes, we would always say yes. If it’s viable and not prohibitive in terms of space or cost, it’s always worth doing everything you can to keep your tent protected and clean. It’s not about the wet ground, but the sharp or rough ground that may rip your tent. The minute there’s a hole in your tent, no amount of waterproof coating will help keep you dry. Make sure that the footprint is the same size or smaller than the bottom of your tent. This will stop water from collecting between the footprint and the floor of your tent, which will compromise the waterproof nature of the floor.