Washington County Area and the City of Bristol, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington County Area and the City of Bristol, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyrick-Marbie complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Timberville-Marbie complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litz silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litz silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weikert silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.