Arenac County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Roscommon, on about 9% of the land: a mucky sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Au Gres and Rubicon come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 75% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Arenac County, Michigan, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Arenac County, Michigan. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayling association | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twining-Belding sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon association | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brevort loamy sand | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres association | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sims clay loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nester fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbay, Colonville, and Ausable soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wisner clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deford loamy fine sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas peat and muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon association, undulating | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Charity silty clay loam | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.