Retaining Wall repairs

scout61

We have a 4'x25' stone retaining wall. It's probably been there over 20+ years and was probably constructed without proper drainage. However, the constructions seems "loose" and the earth behind is mostly rock and ledge, so I'd guess that most of the water has found its way out over the years without causing a problem.

The problem is that the previous owners tried to make it look "prettier" by slathering cement or mortar in between all of the stones - effectively blocking all natural drainage. This winter proved to be too much for the wall - large chucks of mortar/cement have fallen off - and a few stones have popped out.

Knowing that the right way to fix it is to start from scratch, and knowing that that is not an option ($), we're looking at an the opportunity to do a bad patch job.

Any suggestions to minimize our intentional damage?

Dugger52

take the rest of the concrete off (carefully) and fit the missing stones back in. I'm assuming this is a dry rubble (no concrete) was as originally conceived.