Franklin County, Massachusetts
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 91% 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.