Henderson County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Hayesville, on about 15% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Ashe and Evard come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Henderson County, North Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Henderson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville (edneytown) fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville (edneytown) fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard soils, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe stony sandy loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe stony sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus loam (arkaqua) | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bradson gravelly loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edneyville (edneytown) fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Delanco (dillard) loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe stony sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toxaway silt loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brevard loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bradson gravelly loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fannin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very 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
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.