Cuyahoga County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoning-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Mahoning complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mahoning silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Elnora complex, nearly level | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellsworth-Urban land complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brecksville silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga-Urban land compex, undulating | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Mitiwanga complex, undulating | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Condit silty clay loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardinal-Mentor silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Oshtemo complex, undulating | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wadsworth silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loudonville-Urban land complex, rolling | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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.