City of Baltimore, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 City of Baltimore, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, smoothed, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legore-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Legore-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jackland-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joppa-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | A | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Sunnyside-Christiana complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | D | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Sassafras complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Joppa-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Sassafras-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 984 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, occasionally flooded | 903 | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Mattapex-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 870 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keyport-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 854 | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Sunnyside-Christiana complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 823 | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Sunnyside-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 802 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 783 | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Sunnyside complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 681 | D | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.