Dawson, Lumpkin, and White 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 Dawson, Lumpkin, and White Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe and Edneyville stony loams, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartecay complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville and Porters loams, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toccoa sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Musella cobbly loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fannin sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa cobbly fine sandy loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Musella cobbly loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe stony loam, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee stony loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee stony loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 98% 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.