Frederick County, Maryland
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 Frederick County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Airy channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Mt. Airy channery loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinklow-Blocktown channery loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stumptown-Bagtown-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffield-Ryder silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville-Burkittsville complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penn-Reaville silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linganore-Hyattstown channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Codorus and Hatboro silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linganore-Hyattstown channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spoolsville-Burkittsville complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Croton-Abbottstown silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin-Spoolsville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rohrersville-Lantz silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.