Transylvania County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Edneyville, on about 12% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Ashe and Chestnut come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 56% 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 Transylvania 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 Transylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashe-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, high precipitation, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Buladean-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler-Micaville complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosman fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, high precipitation, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Edneyville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, rocky | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters-Unaka complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook loam, high precipitation, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toxaway loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plott-Unaka complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | A | 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 91% 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 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.