Soil types in Texas

What this means

What Texas soils mean for gardens, lawns and septic systems

For gardens

Typical topsoil in Texas is slightly alkaline: pH 7.5 (most land between 5.6 and 8.2). Acid-loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas struggle without amended beds, and some trees and shrubs show iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins).

Loamy topsoil (loam, silt loam and similar) covers 56% of the land: generally the easiest soil to garden, holding moisture without staying waterlogged. The most common surface texture is fine sandy loam (15% of the land).

88% of the land is moderately well to excessively drained, which suits most garden plants.

For lawns and yards

On 64% of the land, rain soaks in slowly (hydrologic groups C and D, including dual groups that are D until drained). Expect runoff and puddles after heavy rain: core-aerate compacted lawns and keep ground sloping away from foundations.

For septic systems

For conventional septic absorption fields, NRCS rates 71% of the land in Texas very limited, 17% somewhat limited and 1% not limited (11% not rated, such as urban land, pits or water).

Where the soil is very limited (slow permeability, a high water table, flooding, shallow bedrock or steep slopes), alternative systems such as mound or sand-filter designs are common and cost more.

Flooding is mapped on 10% of the land (3% occasional, 5% frequent).

Only a licensed site evaluation or perc test at the actual lot decides whether a system is allowed and which design.

Generated from the mapped numbers above using fixed rules, not a site visit. See how these notes are written.