McLennan County, Texas

Survey Area TX309• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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 McLennan 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
Wilson clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	42K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	41K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Heiden clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Aledo gravelly clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Slidell silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	26K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crawford silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Branyon clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stephen-Eddy complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Purves clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Axtell fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lott silty clay, 5 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	15K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Heiden clay, 5 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lewisville silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frio silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bolar gravelly clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairlie clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Denton silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Burleson clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	D	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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 93% 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.