Dry Stone Retaining Wall

[Jackofall8]

Hi, I was just after a bit of advice regarding building a dry stone retaining wall. I'm splitting my steep garden up into about 3 flat lawns, and I am planning to use dry stone retaining walls to hold the earth that i move in place. I have already built a small retaining wall at the top of the garden, so I am confident the rest will be no problem.
-However what I would really like to know is; Is it going to be benneficial to me to use a landscaping fabric of some kind, to stop the earth from behind the wall seeping through?
I was under the impression that it wouldn't be really neccessary, as the soil would slowly fill the gaps in the stone, and I could encourage small plants to grow within the gaps.- as this is an appearance i would like.

- Do you think I need to use fabric to stop large amounts of soil being washed through in heavy rain?
Any opinions will be appreciated, thanks.

 

[r896neo]

no don't bother with the fabric, the dirt getting washed through will help stabilize and bind it together. If however you have a very sandy soil then it may be different but it would need to be pretty serious.

 

[Jackofall8]

Thanks alot, thats put my mind at rest, and saved me shelling out on fabric. - Under the top soil theres a lot of clay, so should be fine then. Cheers.