How to Properly Backfill a 10-Foot Tall Poured Concrete Retaining Wall With Dirt

Lay a section of perforated drainage pipe along the base of the wall on the side of the wall that you will backfill. Run this pipe for the entire length of the wall, and then continue it to a location that is downhill from the wall so it can drain into an area that won't cause any problems.

Surround the drainage pipe with gravel. Lay a section of landscaping fabric over the edge of the gravel pile on the side of the pipe that is opposite the retaining wall. Fold the fabric back so it is out of the way.

Put more gravel in against the back of the retaining wall, and then unroll the landscaping fabric to cover its back edge. Continue in this way to add gravel against the wall, extend the landscaping fabric, and then add more native soil or fill from the site on the back side of the landscaping fabric. The idea is to end up with a vertical layered effect when you are finished that consists of the retaining wall, gravel, the landscaping fabric and finally, the ground that the wall is retaining.

Add another strip of landscaping fabric when you reach the end of the first one. Overlap them so that the upper strip overlaps the lower away from the retaining wall, to direct water in the soil away from it.

Backfill with 6 inches of topsoil when you reach the top of the retaining wall. Plant grass or native ground cover in the soil to help to stabilize it and prevent erosion.