Banks and Stephens Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Banks and Stephens Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiwassee (Davidson) clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toccoa sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hiwassee (Davidson) clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet-Louisburg complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison-Louisa-Tallapoosa complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler and Rock land, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cartecay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee (Davidson) clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinnett sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.