Garrett County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Garrett County, Maryland. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony land, steep | 59K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Gilpin very stony loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Gilpin very stony loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin, Ungers, and Lehew channery loams, 10 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Leetonia very stony sandy loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers, Calvin, and Lehew channery loams, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dekalb-Calvin-Lehew very stony loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Leetonia very stony sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton and Andover very stony silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport and Ernest very stony silt loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Very stony land, rolling | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport and Ernest very stony silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Gilpin-Ungers channery loams, 10 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton and Andover silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin, Ungers, and Lehew channery loams, 20 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers-Gilpin-Calvin channery loams, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | 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 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.