Arlington County, Virginia

Survey Area VA013• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Arlington County, Virginia. 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
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Urban land-Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Urban land-Glenelg complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	978	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Glenelg-Manor complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	805	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Arlington National Cemetery	641			Not rated	Not rated
Urban land-Glenelg complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	534			Not rated	Not rated
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	505	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sassafras complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	316			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents, loamy	297			Not rated	Not rated
Sassafras-Urban land-Neabsco complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	290	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land-Glenelg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	227			Not rated	Not rated
Sassafras-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	221	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	183	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Urban land-Woodstown complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	171			Not rated	Not rated
Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	152	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Urban land-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	134			Not rated	Not rated
Sassafras gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	127	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	108			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

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.