Saginaw County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Parkhill, on about 12% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Selfridge and Pipestone come next.
About 3% of the land drains well, and 92% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 93% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 94% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Saginaw 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 C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Saginaw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 52K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan-Londo loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover-Williamstown loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zilwaukee and Misteguay silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby fine sand | 18K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville fine sand | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill-Selfridge complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan-Ceresco complex, frequently flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan-Londo-Poseyville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covert sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corunna sandy loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella-Frankenmuth complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby sand, loamy substratum | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill-Conover loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Misteguay silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very 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 94% 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 95% 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.