Surry County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Surry County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvard and Suches soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview cobbly sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fairview cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowee gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braddock fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chestnut-Peaks-Tuckasegee complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes, very rocky | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview cobbly sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Braddock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Devotion-Rhodhiss-Bannertown complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toast-Bannertown complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.