How to Use a Dead Anchor on a Retaining Wall

Build the timber retaining wall up three levels.

Cut two pieces of 3-foot-long timber, using a circular saw. Lay one piece on top of the other piece to form a "T." Secure the two pieces together with landscaping screws. Paint the cut ends with wood preservative.

Measure 6 feet in from the retaining wall's end. Dig a T-shaped trench in the soil behind the wall at this measurement. The trench's bottom should line up with what is currently the retaining wall's top surface. Lay a level in the trench's bottom, and add soil back to any low areas. Measure 6 feet from this trench and dig a second trench. The number of dead anchors you use depends on your retaining wall's length. Lay a dead anchor for every 6 feet of wall.

Lay the first dead anchor in the first trench. Line up the dead anchor's end with the retaining wall's front surface. Drive two landscape screws through the dead anchor's end and into the timber it is resting on.

Drill one pilot hole through each end of the dead anchor resting behind the retaining wall. Use a drill bit equal in diameter to the rebar you will be using. Use a hacksaw to cut two 4-foot-long pieces of rebar. Insert one rebar into each hole, and hammer it down into the ground.

Cover the dead anchor with soil. Install a second dead anchor in the next trench. Build the retaining wall up, cutting the timbers to fit around the dead anchors. Install more dead anchors for every third row up.