Fairfax City, Virginia

Survey Area VA600• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Fairfax City, 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
Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	396	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Wheaton complex	327			Not rated	Not rated
Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	103	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wheaton - Meadowville complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	102	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Glenelg silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	88	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wheaton loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes	85	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Wheaton - Sumerduck complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	83	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	76	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hattontown - Orange complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	76	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wheaton - Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	58	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wheaton - Fairfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	55	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Glenelg silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	45	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Glenelg silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	38	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hattontown-Orange complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	28	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Hattontown complex	28			Not rated	Not rated
Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	24	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hattontown silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes	23	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sumerduck silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	19	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Ultisols

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

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.

Alfisols

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

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

About 60% 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.