Chisago County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Chisago County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branstad loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville, occasionally ponded-Cathro, frequently ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alstad-Branstad loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cushing, moderately eroded-Branstad loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cushing-Branstad complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Talmoon-Alstad-Bluffton, frequently ponded, loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sartell fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nymore loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Isanti loamy fine sand | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lino loamy fine sand | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talmoon, Alstad, and Blomford soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braham-Cutaway loamy sands, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bluffton-Hamre complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fordum sandy loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kost loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.