Rabun and Towns Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Rabun and Towns Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tusquitee-Haywood association, steep | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saluda association, steep | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bradson fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Ashe association, stony, steep | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters association, stony, steep | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe association, stony, very steep | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard association, steep | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saluda association, moderately steep | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters association, stony, very steep | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bradson fine sandy loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Transylvania-Toxaway complex | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Saluda and Ashe stony soils, very steep | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 4 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Porters association, moderately steep | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rabun stony loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rabun loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.