How to Build an Embankment Wall

An embankment wall turns a difficult slope into two functional outdoor spaces while also adding interest to your landscape. Landscaping blocks are designed to go around curves. Use them to follow the contour of your slope or to add a graceful curve to a stark, flat hill. You can build an oval embankment wall in a flat area to create a raised planting bed. Fill it with colorful flowers for a landscaping accent or use it for an easy-to-tend vegetable bed.

Square point shovel
Landscaping blocks
Level
Trowel
Landscaping fabric
Landscaping block adhesive
Caulk gun
Chisel
Hammer
Heavy floral pins

Instructions

- 1
  Dig an area for your wall's foundation with a square point shovel. Make it one block deep so the bottom layer of blocks will be below ground level.
- 2
  Lay the landscaping blocks side by side in the excavation. Use a level to ensure the top of the blocks are level with each other. Dig out the soil under any high spots with a trowel. When the blocks are level, remove them from the hole.
- 3
  Place a layer of landscaping fabric in the hole with the front edge even with the front side of the wall. Place the blocks back in place over the fabric.
- 4
  Insert a tube of landscape block adhesive into a caulk gun and apply a line of adhesive down the center of the first three blocks. Stack the first two blocks of the second row over the adhesive with the center of the blocks over the cracks between the lower blocks.
- 5
  Continue to lay the rest of the blocks on this row in the same way. Cut blocks for the ends of the rows by placing a chisel on the desired cut line and tapping it with a hammer to create a small groove. Cut a groove all the way around the block, then hit the block with a hammer to break it.
- 6
  Lay additional rows of block until the wall is the desired height. Fold in any excess landscaping fabric and pin it in place with heavy floral pins.

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