How to Put Rocks on a Hillside

Placing rocks on a hillside helps control erosion while enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the land. The rocks must be partially set into the earth to keep them in place, a task made simple with the turn of a shovel. Select decorative rocks from lawn and gardening centers or specialty stores that sell ornamental stone. You can also use river rocks worn smooth from the flowing water. A wheelbarrow helps you haul a load to the hillside, reducing the number of times you must walk up and down the slope.

Wheelbarrow
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Select rocks for color and size. Color is matter of personal preference, but for erosion control each rock should be approximately the size of a football. Smaller rocks will do little to prevent soil loss, while larger rocks may be difficult to move.
- 2
  Load rocks in the wheelbarrow for easier transport to the hillside. Don't overload the wheelbarrow. It is easier and safer to make several trips than to throw out your back with one unmanageable load.
- 3
  Turn over the topsoil in an area roughly the same size as one of the rocks. A depth of 2 to 3 inches is sufficient.
- 4
  Set the rock in the shallow hole so that the wide end of the rock is parallel to the slope. This provides the most erosion control. Step on the rock to push it firmly into the soil.
- 5
  Arrange rocks on the hillside a few feet apart from each other in a V pattern in groups of three. Avoid straight rows of rocks, which allows soil to erode between the rows.

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