How to Finish Top of Retaining Wall

akimbo

I'm just completing a dry-stacked retaining wall. Between the stones and the soil, I've packed in about 3-6 inch width of small stones and gravel. Between this and the soil is landscape fabric. I did not go as high as the soil grade, in some stretches, and plan to slope the soil to meet the top of the stones. I'm wondering whether to bring the soil over the gravel backfill area, perhaps cover the gravel first with more landscape fabric or ? I'm not planning to go any higher, also, I realize that ideally I would have large capping stones to finish it off, but I've none left.
I've noted in the neighbourhood that sometimes people use mortar to create a smooth top layer. It looks tidy but you don't get to see the nice top face of the rock. I have not used mortar in the wall itself. Your thoughts are appreciated.

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Daniel Holzman

Your wall looks very good the way it is, I don't see why you would want to cover the rock with mortar. It certainly will not help the strength nor the longevity of the wall, but it will detract from appearance, I say leave it as is. Ditto for the soil, why cover the top of the wall with soil? Just bring the soil down to the level of the top of the wall and declare victory.

peteE

Like you said in the first part of the post. Landscape fabric on top of gravel dirt on top of that. Sloping the dirt back.
No cement.

akimbo

Thanks guys, Yes, looks pretty good the way it is. I'll cover gravel with landscape cloth and bring the dirt down. Cheers.