Lake and Wexford Counties, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Lake and Wexford Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 87K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 84K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Graycalm complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 61K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Roscommon association | 57K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Graycalm complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Graycalm complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Au Gres-Finch sands, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, banded substratum, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manistee-Montcalm loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Montcalm complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hodenpyl-Karlin complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Montcalm complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
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 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.