How to Use Stone Edgers on a Slope
Stone edging is set along plant beds and walkways to define the area, but on a slope, it also adds the benefit of holding back soil and preventing erosion. Working with stone edging on a hill follows a similar process to using pavers or landscape timbers, digging into the slope to create a fairly level plant bed. The stones will also outline the bed with a natural material that adds texture and interest.
Edging along a slope can create different styles and effects, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Some stone edging is meant to build up an area to create level plant beds or a retaining wall, while others are simply meant to follow along a path or create a border around a lone tree. You could create winding stone wall edging as a property border or tiers of stone to prevent erosion.
The type of stone edging you can choose from is quite large. You can select precut natural stones that are uniform in size and shape, natural stones that may vary in shape but are similar sizes, and simulated stone that is manmade but hard to differentiate form the real thing. There are also various types of stone and colors available. Depending on your style, you may want a natural stone that blends in with the surroundings or cut stone that creates a more structured or formal look.
Working on a Slope
When placing stones along a slope, you must dig a trench in which to place many stones in a row. The trench also slows down water flow to prevent erosion and retains some rain water for any plant beds along the slope. For stone edging that needs to go back into the slope, digging straight into the hill can form a trench that is way too deep. Instead, it is best to step up the soil as you work your way back, to keep your trench closer to the ground level. Once you have created a place for the stones to rest, you can lay your first row. If you are planning to stack stones higher for a planter or short wall, use cut stones and stagger the rows so that the seams don't match up to create more stability.
The stones form the edge along the slope, creating an area behind that can be filled with soil and plants. If you are creating a planter, retaining wall or leveled tiers, a plastic liner along the back side of the stones will help keep soil from slipping through cracks. This is more of a precaution for stacked short walls that are not secured with mortar, since the mortar would seal in between the stones.
Tara Shore holds a Bachelor of Science in business finance and has written for online publications since 2007. She has professional experience in banking, accounting, travel and teaching. Shore is also a master gardener and a travel agent.