Guilford County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Guilford County, North Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enon fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mecklenburg sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mecklenburg sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mecklenburg-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poplar Forest clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cecil-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes-Poindexter-Wynott complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplar Forest sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coronaca clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.