How to Landscape Stones on Hills

Measure the hill to note the severity of its slope. Also note the soil's growing conditions and any existing drainage issues.

Purchase the types of stones you want to landscape with. Select stones of different sizes and shapes to give the area a sense of variety. If you're adding plants to the hill, purchase lava rocks or gravel as well to serve as weed-inhibiting mulch.

Use a hoe to remove grass and other plants from the hill. Dig six inches deep to completely remove root systems from the ground.

Arrange the stones on the hill, placing the largest stones near the bottom half and smaller stones as the hill rises.

Examine your work to see if you want to adjust any of the stones' positions. Mix up the sizes and shapes for a more natural look or create an artistic pattern like a spiral.

Bury part of each stone into the ground for stability. Dig a hole equal to one quarter the size of the stone. Place the stone in the hole and, using your gloved hands, fill in the remainder of the hole with soil. If a large stone feels unstable, bury it deeper into the ground to prevent it from sliding.

Use the flat side of the hoe or a tamping tool to compact soil around the stones.

Plant ground cover seedlings or shrubs on the steepest spots of the hill. These low-maintenance plants will prevent soil erosion and add texture and greenery to the hill. The instructions that come with your seedlings will tell you how deep and far apart to plant them from one another. Wearing gloves, use your hand to pack soil firmly around the seedlings.

Plant trees near the bottom of the slope. Once the root systems develop, trees will help prevent erosion and add visual interest to the hill.

Spread a two- to four-inch layer of gravel, lava rocks or mulch around the plants and large stones. Use a hoe to spread the gravel over open areas and large stones, and your hands to spread it around seedlings. Gloves will protect your hands from cuts and blistering.