Arlington County Soil Data
Arlington County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Arlington County, Virginia
The Most Acidic Soils in the Region
Arlington's soil is notably acidic, with a pH of 4.96, which is lower than both the state average of 5.23 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a defining characteristic of the county's soil profile and heavily influences plant selection. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a respectable soil score of 26.0.
Sandy Loam with Substantial Clay
The soil contains 54.9% sand, 26.6% silt, and 18.4% clay, providing a texture that is both well-drained and structurally sound. The sand content prevents the soil from becoming a heavy clay block, while the 18.4% clay is one of the highest in this group. This helps the soil retain its shape and provides a good base for urban landscaping.
High Water Retention in Urban Plots
Arlington features an available water capacity of 0.158 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.143. However, the organic matter content is relatively low at 1.86%, falling below the state's 2.90% benchmark. This means your garden will hold water efficiently, but you'll likely need to add nutrients to keep plants thriving.
Resilient Moisture for City Gardens
With over 54% sand, the soil generally allows for good water infiltration, reducing the risk of puddling on city lots. The high clay and silt content act as a sponge, taking advantage of the high water capacity to keep plants hydrated between rains. This combination is ideal for maintaining green spaces in a densely populated urban environment.
Lush Urban Landscapes in Zone 7b
Arlington's Zone 7b status and high water capacity are perfect for moisture-loving ornamentals and native ferns. The naturally acidic soil is an excellent match for rhododendrons and camellias, which thrive in these specific conditions. For food crops, simply add some lime and compost to transform this acidic base into a high-yielding vegetable patch.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Arlington County have?
Arlington County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 27% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Arlington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Arlington County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Arlington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Arlington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Arlington County's soil?
Based on Arlington County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Arlington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Arlington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Arlington County
Soil Verdict
Arlington County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Arlington County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Arlington County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Virginia
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.