Franklin County, Massachusetts
The most common soil here is Millsite, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Chatfield and Canton come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 40% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Franklin County, Massachusetts, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Franklin County, Massachusetts. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rocky | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Millsite-Westminster complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millsite-Westminster complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millsite-Westminster complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montauk fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windsor and Merrimac soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montauk fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelburne fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walpole sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashfield fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.