Grimes County, Texas
The most common soil here is Frelsburg, on about 6% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Shiro and Nahatche come next.
About 19% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 27% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% 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 Grimes 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 Grimes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahatche clay loam, frequently flooded | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frelsburg clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shiro loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Depcor loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Huntsburg loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falba fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chazos loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zulch fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annona fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Singleton fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fetzer loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zack fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Axtell fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lufkin-Rader complex, gently undulating | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladewater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boy loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elmina loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gomery loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robco-Tanglewood complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat 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 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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
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.