Frederick County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Frederick County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Poplimento loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Poplimento loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oaklet silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blairton silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gainesboro-Lehew complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gainesboro-Lehew complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clearbrook channery silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gainesboro-Lehew complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton very stony sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Poplimento-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, rubbly | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Poplimento loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Oaklet, very rocky silt loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks very stony silt loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.