How to Cut a Ledge in Landscaping

A ledge can add depth and structure to a lawn. Both functional and decorative, ledges can retain soil in an area with poor drainage and help organize sections of a yard that are used for different purposes. Cutting a ledge entails digging into the raised area and building a retaining wall. To build the ledge, choose from materials that can accentuate existing colors and textures, such as brick, stone or timbers.

Tape measure
Lawn spray paint
Flat shovel
Gravel
Tamper
Blocks or stacking stones
Landscape fabric

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the area with a tape measure and decide on the depth of the ledge. If the yard has a slight slope, consider cutting the ledge in proportion with the incline to create tiered steps.
- 2
  Use lawn spray paint to mark the line where the ledge will go.
- 3
  Dig out a trench with a flat shovel. It must be as wide as the building materials plus 4 inches to reinforce it with gravel. Dig it deep enough to partially bury the first row of concrete blocks, timbers or stones, plus 3 inches for a gravel base.
- 4
  Fill the hole with a 3-inch layer of gravel and press the rocks down with a tamper to make them level and compact.
- 5
  Place the materials end-to-end in the hole, shifting gravel underneath, as necessary, to make the first row even.
- 6
  Stagger the joints of the second row. Recess the second row back by an inch or stack them straight. Continue to stack the materials in rows until the ledge reaches your designed height but no more than 3 feet.
- 7
  Fill in the remaining gap in the trench with gravel and tamp it down.
- 8
  Line the inside wall with landscape fabric to help retain soil and keep weeds from growing through the joints.

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