cut/fill

Step-by-Step

Dig a trench about 10 inches deep and 1 foot wider than the wall. Either cut away or add dirt to the hill you will be retaining so it slopes back about 1 inch per rising foot. Maintain the same slope across the length of the wall. Fill the trench with gravel and rake it smooth and level with the adjoining ground surface.

lay stones

Lay the first course using large stones so they span the gravel bed. As you lay succeeding courses, stagger the joints and be sure each stone rests solidly, without wobbling. Save smaller stones for the upper courses, but keep some large flagstones for the top course. Batter the wall toward the hill.

You may leave the joints in the wall bare. Or, you can mix soil with a small amount of water to achieve a mortar-like consistency. Press the soil into gaps in the wall. In time, small plants or grass will grow there, lending a rustic, mature appearance to the wall.

mortar

This is an optional step, but it will make a wall stronger. Dry-fit the top course in a pleasing pattern, then remove the stones and place them adjacent to the wall so you can remember where they go. Mix and apply a 2-inch layer of mortar on the next-to-last course and lay the top stones. You may need to fill in some gaps with small stones.