Tyler County, Texas
The most common soil here is Otanya, on about 7% of the land: a very fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Shankler and Pinetucky come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% 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 Tyler 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Tyler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatliff-Pluck-Kian complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 43K | Poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otanya very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Doucette loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hillister loamy sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinetucky fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stringtown-Bonwier complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shankler loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shankler loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kirbyville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozias-Pophers complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodville fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sorter-Dallardsville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodville very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Choates loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirbyville-Niwana complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawlit-Sawtown complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Simelake-Pluck complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belrose loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newco fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenefick-Caneyhead frequently ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | 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 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.