Collin County Sits on the Blackland Prairie — Some of Texas's Most Fertile Soil

The Blackland Prairie runs from North Texas down through Central Texas. The name comes from its dark, clay-heavy soil. That soil is very fertile. It also swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Most of Collin County lies within this region, which the Handbook of Texas calls the richest agricultural region in the state.

This soil type matters for homeowners too. When the ground gets very wet or very dry, the clay can shift under a foundation. That movement is a common cause of foundation cracks in DFW homes. If you are buying a home in Collin County, think about getting a foundation inspection as part of the process.