Unicoi County, Tennessee
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 Unicoi County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ditney loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Unicoi complex, 50 to 99 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ditney loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymead loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco fine sandy loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Soco fine sandy loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ditney sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jeffrey loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northcove stony sandy loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookshire loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate stony loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin shaly silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shouns loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maymead variant very stony loam, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shouns loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 90% 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.