How to Use Rocks to Landscape Embankments

Measure the length and width of the embankment that you wish to cover with rocks. Multiply these two measurements together to find the square footage. If you want to make just one line of rocks, then you do not need to measure the width of the area. Take the measurement of the area with you when you purchase the rocks. If you are using large rocks, measure each one individually to make sure you purchase enough to fill the area.

Spray the embankment with an herbicide to kill weeds and unwanted grass. This helps the rocks become part of the permanent landscape, and also cuts down on unsightly weeds that grow around the bottom of the rocks.

Dig out the embankment area to a depth of 2 inches. If this is a new, artificial embankment, then there is probably nothing there, but you don't want a lot of small rocks, leaves, sticks, weeds or other items that will get in the way of proper rock placement.

Place the large rocks where you want them to go along the embankment. You will get the best results when you use large rocks to outline the shape of the embankment, and smaller rocks to fill in the gaps between the large rocks. Do not place the smaller rocks yet.

Mark the placement of the large rocks with sticks or spray paint. Remove the rocks.

Dig an impression for each large rock, following its outline, about 4 to 6 inches deep. This will help the rocks look like part of the landscape, and will also anchor the embankment better.

Replace the large rocks. Place smaller rocks between the large rocks for additional anchors. Place the dirt that you removed around the smaller rocks to anchor them to the large rocks.

Plant ground cover plants around the rocks. Use water-loving plants for damp embankments, and more drought-tolerant plants for dry embankments. Mosses and ivies are great embankment plants. The plants will help the rocks hold the embankment in place, and will also provide a more attractive landscape. Water the plants immediately.

Note any changes in the embankment that occur over the next year. If dirt, rocks or plants have shifted, move the rocks to a location where the most erosion occurs. You can also add more rocks to the embankment for greater erosion protection.