A free public tool from a federal agency that maps soil types and describes their properties for a chosen area.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, known as NRCS, offers the Web Soil Survey, an online tool that lets users select an area and view soil maps and descriptions. It can show soil types, drainage classes and other properties. Owners in Nashville can look up their address to learn general information about the soils beneath their yard, which helps explain why some lots drain slowly or feel sticky when wet.
We are a private company and are not part of NRCS. The survey is general and does not replace testing on your actual site, where fill, buried debris and local changes can differ from the map. We use it as one input along with digging test holes and reading the slope. The official tool is easy to explore, and we are happy to help you interpret what you find.
Visit the official NRCS website
Select an area and view soil types.
Hints about how quickly soils drain.
Local conditions may differ.
Available online to anyone.
Soil properties described in text and tables.
We confirm with test holes.
Stormwater and Swale ManagementSwales, grading and catch basins that move storm runoff around walls, homes and slopes without causing erosion.Explore 
Erosion Control and Slope StabilizationWalls, matting, stone, plantings and drainage that stop soil loss on slopes, banks and construction sites.Explore 
Hillside TerracingCutting and building a steep slope into a series of level terraces with walls, steps and drainage.Explore 
Waterproofing Behind WallsMembranes, drainage boards and sealants that keep moisture out of concrete walls and basement spaces.Explore 
Retaining Wall DesignDesign that fits your slope, soil, budget and style, from simple garden walls to multi-tier systems.Explore 
Site Evaluation and Soil AssessmentReading your site, soil, water and slope before design so the wall is built on facts, not guesses.Explore 
Wall Design VisualizationSketches, photo overlays and 3D views that help you see a wall in your yard before it is…Explore 
Project Scheduling and PhasingPlanning when work happens, in what order, and how to split larger wall projects into manageable phases.Explore Size a wall, plan tiers or ballpark a budget.
Retaining Wall Size and Material CalculatorEnter wall length and height to see face area, block count, base stone, drain pipe and geogrid layers to plan for.Try it 
Retaining Wall Tier and Slope PlannerEnter slope height and distance to see how many tiers may suit the grade, how far apart to space them and how wide the shelves can be.Try it 
Retaining Wall Budget PlannerPick a wall type, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Treat it as general background. Taller walls need site-specific evaluation.
Not always. Digging and testing reveal what is really there.
No. We are a private retaining wall company and are not part of NRCS. Officials make the decisions, and we help you prepare information and understand the process.
ResourceCMHAA trade association for concrete masonry and hardscape products that shares technical resources, design guidance and industry news.Learn more ResourceASCEA professional society for civil engineers that publishes standards, technical papers and infrastructure information.Learn more ResourceASTMA standards organization that publishes technical standards for materials, testing and products used in construction.Learn more ResourceTennessee 811The one-call service that notifies utility owners so buried lines can be marked before digging begins.Learn more Call us and describe your slope or your wall. We will look at your site, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
