How To Level A Sloping Garden (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Level A Sloping Yard » How To Level A Sloping Garden (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Level a Sloping Garden PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Matt Daly

Last Updated: October 5, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Readying the Area to be Levelled
    • |
  • Building the Terrace Walls
    • |
  • Flattening and Finishing the Terrace
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Matt Daly. Matt Daly is a Landscape Designer and the Founder of Water & Earth Landscape Design, which is based in both Richmond, Virginia, and San Jose, California. With nearly 10 years of experience, he specializes in designing outdoor living spaces, including patios, pools, and fireplaces. Matt also runs a blog where he educates homeowners about landscaping topics: https://www.liveinyourbackyard.com/. He earned his Landscape Design & Horticulture Certification from The University of Richmond, where he also studied Sustainable Landscape Practices. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 641,986 times.

A sloping garden can be a challenging landscape problem for any homeowner. Not only can it sometimes be an eyesore, but it also frequently leads to problems with soil erosion and flooding. Fortunately, through the simple process of building 1 or more terraces, you can turn your sloping garden into a series of level gardening patches that look nice and are better for the environment surrounding your home.

Things You Should Know

  • First, measure the rise and run of your garden's slope. Then determine how many 2 feet (0.61 m)-high and 5 feet (1.5 m)-long terraces you'll need.
  • Dig shallow trenches horizontally along the base of the slope. Put wall material into the trenches and ground them with spikes.
  • Remove soil in between each wall until the soil is flat and add compost to the soil if you're worried about erosion.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Readying the Area to be Levelled

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Contact local authorities to avoid issues with wires or building codes. 1 Contact local authorities to avoid issues with wires or building codes. Before you begin digging around your property, you’ll need to make sure there are no underground utility wires nearby that you might be disrupting. Get in touch with your local utility companies to make sure there are no underground wires your project may interfere with. You should also contact your local government agency responsible for city planning to confirm that your project will be in line with local building codes.[1]
    • In the United States, you can be put in touch with your local utility companies by calling 811. When you call 811, you’ll be connected to an operator who will evaluate your project and contact the relevant utility companies in your area so they can confirm the locations of underground utility infrastructure on your property.
    • Although your project may seem small, many areas have bylaws and codes that specifically apply to garden terraces.
  2. Step 2 Measure the rise and run of your garden. 2 Measure the rise and run of your garden. Determine the vertical distance of your yard from the top to the bottom of the slope (the rise), as well as its horizontal distance (the run), by pounding a wooden stake into the ground at the top of the slope and a second stake at the bottom. Tie a string around the first stake at ground level, pull it taut, and tie it to the second stake in a place where the string is completely level. The length of the string is the run of your garden and the distance between the string’s location on the second stake and the ground is the rise.
    • Place a line level in the middle of the string once you’ve tied it to the second stake to ensure that it’s level. Move the string up and down on the second stake until you’ve made it completely level to make sure you’re correctly measuring your garden’s rise and run.
    • If your garden or yard has areas where the steepness of the slope changes, repeat this process in those areas to make sure you build terraces that level your garden at its steepest.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Calculate how many terraces you’ll need to build. 3 Calculate how many terraces you’ll need to build. Use the rise and run of your garden to calculate the number of terraces you’ll need to level it while maintaining each terrace’s structural integrity. Aim to have each terrace be no higher than 2 feet (0.61 m) and no longer than 5 feet (1.5 m) for best results.[2]
    • For example, if the vertical distance of your garden is 8 feet (2.4 m) and its horizontal distance is 20 feet (6.1 m), then you’ll need to build 4 terraces, each terrace being 2 feet (0.61 m) tall and 5 feet (1.5 m) long.
    • Depending on the materials you use for your wall, as well as the steepness of your garden, you may want to build terraces that are longer than 5 feet (1.5 m) or taller than 2 feet (0.61 m). Although this is certainly possible, note that the risk of terrace walls bulging or collapsing tends to increase when they’re built to be longer or taller than these respective measurements.
  4. Step 4 Mark the areas where you will level your sloping garden. 4 Mark the areas where you will level your sloping garden. Once you've calculated how many terraces you'll need to build, you'll need to determine where they will be physically located. Mark off sections of your garden that correspond to the desired length and width of your terraces using little flags or stakes with strings tied between them to designate the areas you’ll be working in. Marking these areas will help you to avoid accidentally digging where you may not want to.[3]
    • It may be helpful to draw the intended locations of your terraces on a sheet of paper before actually marking off these areas in your garden.
  5. Step 5 Dampen the soil 24 hours before beginning to dig to soften it. 5 Dampen the soil 24 hours before beginning to dig to soften it. You don’t need to soak it until it becomes muddy. You’ll just want to soften the soil up a bit before you begin digging into it.
    • You can also wait until the day after a rainstorm to start digging, if you’d rather not pour water on the ground yourself.[4]
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Building the Terrace Walls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Opt for timber terrace walls to save money. 1 Opt for timber terrace walls to save money. Timber is a good choice for building shorter terrace walls on a budget, as it’s relatively inexpensive. Timber is also a nice complement to houses or backyards with a more rustic appearance.
    • You can buy prefabricated wooden terrace walls at many home department stores or buy timber and cut it yourself from a lumber supply store.
  2. Step 2 Choose stone or concrete for your walls if you plan to make them tall. 2 Choose stone or concrete for your walls if you plan to make them tall. Stone and concrete blocks are popular materials for building terrace walls more than 2 feet (0.61 m) tall because of their strength. Although building terrace walls to be higher than 2 feet (0.61 m) is generally not recommended, definitely use stone or concrete materials to build your walls if you can’t avoid building them this high.
    • Stone or concrete should always be used for terrace walls higher than 4 feet (1.2 m) and should be installed by professionals to ensure their structural integrity.
    • These blocks can be bought at home and garden shop or landscape supply yard. Note that stone and concrete are the most expensive materials to be used for building terrace walls.
  3. Step 3 Dig a shallow trench along the horizontal base of the slope. 3 Dig a shallow trench along the horizontal base of the slope. Dig the trench so that it is slightly wider than the material you’ll use to build your wall. You should dig it wide enough to leave roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space on either side of the wall.
    • The depth of the trench will depend on which material your wall is made out of. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the ideal depth of your trench.
    • If the ideal depth of the trench is unclear, a good rule of thumb when using timber is to bury the wall to about half of its thickness.
  4. Step 4 Place your wall material in the trench. 4 Place your wall material in the trench. Make sure that the terrace wall does not come up to more than 2 feet (0.61 m) above ground level (unless you’re using strong stone or concrete blocks). If the wall stands at a tilt, take it out and level out the bottom of the trench, then reinsert the wall.[5] [6]
  5. Step 5 Repeat this process to install walls along the sides of the terrace. 5 Repeat this process to install walls along the sides of the terrace. The bottoms of the side trenches must be equal in depth and width to the first trench. Make sure all of the trenches are equally levelled.
  6. Step 6 Drive spikes or piping through the walls to stabilize them if possible. 6 Drive spikes or piping through the walls to stabilize them if possible. If the wall is made of timber, drill holes through the part of it that is below ground level. Then, pound spikes or pipes through it and into the surrounding soil to help keep the wall in place. Repeat this process for all the walls you’ve installed so far.
    • For best results, use a pipe that is at least 18 inches (46 cm) long.
    • If you’re using stone blocks or another heavy material to build your terrace wall, you can probably skip this step.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Flattening and Finishing the Terrace

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Move soil from the rear of the terrace to the front. 1 Move soil from the rear of the terrace to the front. Fill in the rear side of the terrace wall trench with the soil. Then, redistribute soil across the terrace until it is uniformly level.
    • You can use a small gardening spade to move the soil around if your terrace is not too large.
    • For the trench you dug at the bottom of your garden, you’ll also need to fill in the front side of the terrace wall trench.
  2. Step 2 Remove soil from the terrace as needed until it’s flat. 2 Remove soil from the terrace as needed until it’s flat. Place excess soil aside and flatten out the remaining soil until the terrace is level. Place a bubble level on top of the soil to ensure that it is completely level.
    • If you plan to build additional terraces for your garden, you can use the excess soil from the first terrace to flatten out the next one.
  3. Step 3 Add compost to the soil to improve water retention. 3 Add compost to the soil to improve water retention. If you’re particularly concerned about erosion of your soil, take time while the soil is loose to mix some compost into it. Pour 2 inches (5.1 cm) of compost onto your soil, then use a tiller to till it into the soil for roughly 6 inches (15 cm) to 8 inches (20 cm).
    • This will not only strengthen your soil, but will also provide it with healthy nutrients that will help the plants in your garden to grow.
  4. Step 4 Build additional terraces if necessary. 4 Build additional terraces if necessary. If the slope of your garden is too steep for just one terrace, you may need to construct more than one terrace. Repeat this process as necessary until you’ve reached the desired slope for your garden.[7]
  5. Step 5 Compact the soil in the upper terraces with a soil compactor. 5 Compact the soil in the upper terraces with a soil compactor. If the soil in the terraces next to your house is too loose, it may weaken the structural integrity of the terrace walls over time. To avoid this, use a soil compactor to compact the underlying soil and remove oxygen and any empty space. Make 2-3 passes over the terrace to ensure it’s properly compacted.[8]
    • Make sure the soil is sufficiently damp before beginning the compacting process. To test this, take up a clump of soil in your hand and squeeze it together. If the clump stays together, the soil is ready to be compacted. If it doesn’t stay together, dampen the soil a little before beginning.
    • You can use a hand-held soil compactor or rent a power compactor from a local hardware store.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I level my garden without planning permission? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer There are a few things you definitely need to do before you start work leveling your garden. You’ll need to make sure there are no underground utility wires nearby that you might be disrupting. Get in touch with your local utility companies to make sure there are no underground wires your project may interfere with. You should also contact your local government agency responsible for city planning to confirm that your project will be in line with local building codes. Even if you're planning a small project, many locations have specific laws and codes that apply to garden terraces. You don't want to get hit with a hefty fine or be forced to undo all of your hard work by skipping or overlooking any of these preliminary steps. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 3
  • Question How do I level a sloping garden? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer You'll need to build terraces to act as supports for your garden. You can use the rise and run of your garden to calculate the number of terraces you’ll need to level it while maintaining each terrace’s structural integrity. Aim to have each terrace be no higher than 2 feet (0.61 m) and no longer than 5 feet (1.5 m) for best results. Once you've calculated how many terraces you'll need to build, you'll need to determine where they will be physically located. Mark off sections of your garden that correspond to the desired length and width of your terraces using little flags or stakes with strings tied between them to designate the areas you’ll be working in. Marking these areas will help you to avoid accidentally digging where you may not want to. Once you have an accurately measured and mark space, you can begin work on the actual construction of the terraces. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question What do you build terrace walls with? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer You actually have a few options as far as building materials go. Timber is a good choice for building shorter terrace walls on a budget, as it’s relatively inexpensive. Timber is also a nice complement to houses or backyards with a more rustic appearance. Another great option is stone or concrete. Stone and concrete blocks are popular materials for building terrace walls more than 2 feet (0.61 m) tall because of their strength. Although building terrace walls to be higher than 2 feet (0.61 m) is generally not recommended, definitely use stone or concrete materials to build your walls if you can’t avoid building them this high. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • If the slope of your garden is relatively gradual, resulting in a drop of only 1 inch (2.5 cm) every 4 feet (1.2 m), you may not need to level it at all. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you plan to build more than 1 terrace, or if there is a good deal of clay under the soil of your garden, this project may be much more difficult than you anticipate. Don’t be afraid to hire professional help, as this will help you to avoid potential calamities later in the project. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Water
  • Spade
  • Stone, concrete, or wooden wall material
  • Spikes or piping
  • Bubble level

You Might Also Like

Build a Wood Retaining WallHow toBuild a Wood Retaining Wall Install Landscape TimbersHow to Install Landscape Timbers Plant on a SlopeHow toPlant on a Slope Build a Retaining WallHow toBuild a Retaining Wall Build a Railroad Tie Retaining WallHow toBuild a Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Prevent Soil ErosionHow toPrevent Soil Erosion Construct a Raised Planting BedHow toConstruct a Raised Planting Bed Level the Ground for PaversHow toLevel the Ground for Pavers Build a Strong Retaining Wall with 4x4 Treated PostHow toBuild a Strong Retaining Wall with 4x4 Treated Post Level Your YardHow toLevel Your Yard Build a Dry Stack Retaining Rock WallHow toBuild a Dry Stack Retaining Rock Wall Level the Ground for a ShedHow toLevel the Ground for a Shed Build Vegetable Garden BoxesHow toBuild Vegetable Garden Boxes Level GroundHow to Level Ground: An Easy Guide for Beginners Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Matt Daly. Landscape Designer. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://earthcycle.co.uk/blogs/gardener-hub/how-to-level-a-sloping-garden
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuK5d7zNRZw#t=21s
  4. ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-start-an-allotment/
  5. ↑ Matt Daly. Landscape Designer. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.flowerpotman.com/leveling-sloping-gardens/
  7. ↑ https://www.mybuilder.com/gardening-landscaping/articles/how-to-level-a-garden-simple-steps
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0jZA2NJ1YY

About This Article

Matt Daly Co-authored by: Matt Daly Landscape Designer This article was co-authored by Matt Daly. Matt Daly is a Landscape Designer and the Founder of Water & Earth Landscape Design, which is based in both Richmond, Virginia, and San Jose, California. With nearly 10 years of experience, he specializes in designing outdoor living spaces, including patios, pools, and fireplaces. Matt also runs a blog where he educates homeowners about landscaping topics: https://www.liveinyourbackyard.com/. He earned his Landscape Design & Horticulture Certification from The University of Richmond, where he also studied Sustainable Landscape Practices. This article has been viewed 641,986 times. 33 votes - 96% Co-authors: 4 Updated: October 5, 2025 Views: 641,986 Categories: Featured Articles | Garden Projects Article SummaryX

Before doing any serious digging in your garden, call your local utility companies to make sure you won’t accidentally disturb any underground wires, cables, or pipes. Place a stake in the ground at the bottom of the slope and another at the top and tie a level line between them. Measure the distance between the two stakes to find the run of the slope, and the distance from the top to the bottom to find the rise. You’ll need to build a series of terraces to level your garden, preferably no more than 5 feet (1.5 m) long and 2 feet (.61 m) deep. The number of terraces is based on the rise and run. So, for example, if the rise of your garden is 8 feet (2.4 m) and the run is 20 feet (6.1 m), you’ll need 4 terraces. Mark your garden off into a series of sections for each terrace, then dampen the soil lightly to soften it 24 hours before you plan to start digging. Dig a shallow trench horizontally along each section to mark where the walls will go between the terraces. The depth of the trench will depend on the materials you’re using, but if you’re making the walls out of timber, aim to have the wall about halfway under the ground and halfway above. You may need to reinforce the wall with stakes or pipes. Once the walls are in place, move soil from the rear side of each terrace to the front and spread it evenly across the length and width of the terrace. Once you’re sure the terrace is level, mix a little compost into the soil with a tiller to help it retain water. Finally, flatten each terrace with a soil compactor before planting anything in your garden. To learn how to improve the water retention of your soil, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Czech Japanese Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 641,986 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Carol McCooke

    Carol McCooke

    Mar 13, 2020

    "I was thinking of stepping my sloping rear garden it is sloped front to rear and left to right, you have confirmed..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Matt Daly Co-authored by: Matt Daly Landscape Designer Co-authors: 4 Updated: October 5, 2025 Views: 641,986 96% of readers found this article helpful. 33 votes - 96% Click a star to add your vote Carol McCooke

Carol McCooke

Mar 13, 2020

"I was thinking of stepping my sloping rear garden it is sloped front to rear and left to right, you have confirmed..." more Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

How Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Build a Wood Retaining WallHow toBuild a Wood Retaining WallInstall Landscape TimbersHow to Install Landscape TimbersPlant on a SlopeHow toPlant on a SlopeBuild a Retaining WallHow toBuild a Retaining Wall

Featured Articles

Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

Featured Articles

What Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

What Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Gardening
  • Garden Projects
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --867

Tag » How To Level A Sloping Yard