Washtenaw County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glynwood loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wasepi sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, disintegration moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| St. Clair clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, Huron Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.