How to build a stone retaining wall with mortar?

1. Start by clearing the area of all vegetation and soil.
2. Mark the layout of the stone wall using a marking paint or string line.
3. Prepare the footings, which should be 12 inches wide.
4. Dig a trench that is 6 inches wider than the width of the wall. The depth of the trench will depend on the size of the stones you are using.
5. Lay a 4-inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the trench and then tamped it down flat.
6. Prepare the mortar mix by combining masonry cement and sand in a ratio of 5:1.
7. Use a trowel to apply the mortar on the back of each stone. Begin laying the stones from one corner of the wall, overlapping them slightly as you work your way up the wall.
8. Fill in the gaps between each stone with more mortar.
9. Add a horizontal layer of stones at the top of the wall for stability.
10. Apply a waterproof sealer to the finished wall to protect it from weather damage.