Pickens County, South 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 Pickens County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hiwassee sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hiwassee clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saluda-Cleveland-Ashe complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toccoa soils | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saluda sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe sandy loam, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grover fine sandy loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville fine sandy loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 64% 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.