Chester County, Pennsylvania
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 Chester County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loam | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, schist and gneiss complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Manor loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Califon loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Glenelg complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Conestoga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Gladstone complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Cokesbury silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.