Question
Hi, I am attempting to use 6x6 square pavers as a landscape edge around my lawn.  I was advised to lay mortar down under them as a way to prevent weeds and to secure them in place.  I laid them out without the mortar just to see how they would look but they are somewhat wavy due to the ground not being flat enough.  I tried rototilling the ground and raking it flat, but it is still is not very flat due to hard clay soil and alot of dirt clods... do you have any suggestions or know of a better way to do this?

Answer
This is probably more work but the proper way to do it.
Excavate the soil to a depth of 4" by 8". Fill the trench with concrete or mortar about 3" deep. Carefully screed the mortar/concrete with a small block of wood and a level to create a consistent slope with your yard. Place the pavers in the wet mortar. Or if using concrete, wait for it to set up then mortar them in place with a thin 1/2" setting bed. Keep curves radii big so that the joints between pavers will be minimal.

If your having difficulty just leveling the soil, you might want to hire laborers or a contractor and and make sure they break the soil up well with shovels and dirt rakes. Possibly add some sand.

There is nothing easy about laying pavers properly. Its hard labor intensive back breaking work. I know of no better way to do this.

Best of Luck

Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com