Sanilac County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Parkhill, on about 33% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Guelph and Conover come next.
About 23% of the land drains well, and 77% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 79% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 81% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkhill loam and clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 101K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 77K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 70K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam and mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saverine and Iosco fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonkey and Bach fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan, frequently flooded, and Ceresco, occasionally flooded, soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Melita and Arenac loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McBride fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Houghton and Palms mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle and Linwood mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco sandy loam and Covert loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coral fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 81% 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 88% 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.