Burleson County, Texas
The most common soil here is Padina, on about 10% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Ships and Zulch come next.
About 35% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 56% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 8% 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 Burleson County, Texas, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Burleson County, Texas. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padina fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ships clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robco-Tanglewood complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zack fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zulch fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uhland fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Singleton fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chazos loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Benchley loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gasil fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gredge fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belk clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zilaboy clay, frequently flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Crockett loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silawa loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Silstid loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Luling clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaufman clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, southern | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weswood silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | C | 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 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.