Skip to main content

Backfill with Soil and Protect Drainage Layer

0:26
0:43
3.2K views

At 0:26 in

Step by step, all in one vid. #howto #retainingwall #hardscape

What happens here

After the geotextile fabric is in place and the drain stone has been laid, the fabric is folded over the top of the drain stone, creating a complete envelope around the drainage layer. Following this, native soil is backfilled on top of the folded fabric. The narrator explains that this final layer of soil will eventually support grass and plants, and importantly, prevents any root systems or soil particles from infiltrating the drain stone. This protection is critical to avoid issues like the wall being 'frozen and heaved' due to soil expansion in freezing conditions, and prevents the wall from being pushed out.

Goal: Complete the backfill, cover the drain stone, and prevent soil/root infiltration

Tools and materials

  • Geotextile Fabric — Encapsulating the drain stone layer
  • Plate Compactor — Compacting the soil backfill
  • Rake — Leveling the backfilled soil
  • Shovel — Moving and spreading native soil
  • Native Soil — Backfilling above the drainage layer