Smith County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Smith County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wolfpen loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pickton loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mattex loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oakwood fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bowie fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Redsprings very gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wolfpen loamy fine sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cuthbert gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tenaha loamy fine sand, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Redsprings very gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladewater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elrose fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pickton loamy fine sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gallime fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Owentown loamy fine sand, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.