Leelanau County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Leelanau County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaleva sand, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Markey mucks | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaleva sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 18 to 25 percent slopes, lake moderated | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 12 to 18 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deer Park sand, 18 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eastport sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Omena sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Leelanau complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| East Lake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Leelanau complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dune land | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kaleva sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Omena sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.