Macon County, North Carolina
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 Macon County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plott fine sandy loam, high precipitation, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plott fine sandy loam, high precipitation, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheoah channery loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cleveland-Chestnut-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cleveland complex, 30 to 95 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chandler gravelly fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.