Soil type is one of the primary factors that will determine how smoothly your excavation project will proceed. Here in Southeast Michigan, we have a diverse array of soils, each presenting their own challenges. Whether you’re preparing a new foundation or landscaping project, getting to know your soil can help you prevent delays, unexpected expenses and structural problems later on.

Why Soil Type Matters

Excavation is not simply the act of digging. The kind of soil below your home helps determine:

• How easy it is to dig
• How stable the ground is
• Drainage and water retention

What Equipment is Required

Additional grading or soil reinforcement may be required to make some soils build-ready. Others can halt excavation operations when not handled properly, causing machinery to become bogged down or stalled.

Soils found in Southeast Michigan

Here are some of the typical soil types that we encounter throughout Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and adjacent counties:

• Clay

Heavy clay soil, common in low lying areas of Michigan, is more dense than other soil. Clay, while stable when dry, turns slick and unstable when wet, and excavation becomes complicated in rainy seasons. Clay retains water, impacting drainage and raising foundation perils.

• Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is common close to lakes and riverbeds and can be easily dug, but will easily fall in on itself if not sufficiently propped up. That also means it drains quickly, which is a plus or a downside, depending on the project.

• Loam

Stone silt clay: A balanced blend of sand, silt, and clay—loam is regarded as the most suitable soil type for construction. It’s stable, drains well and is fairly easy to dig. Loam, however, is less common than other types in Southeast Michigan.

• Silt

Fine and smooth, silt holds water and may be unstable under pressure. As with clay, it may need to be reinforced when excavated to prevent sliding or collapse.

How Thomas Excavation Works Around Soil Challenges

We analyze your soil before we ever dig ground at Thomas Excavation. Our soil is used to all the local soil conditions and the right equipment and techniques are used to make sure that your project stays on time and on budget.

Knowing what kind of soil you have is more than a technicality and is the bedrock of a successful excavation. In Southeast Michigan, where topography, drainage, and soil types can vary widely from neighborhood to neighborhood, working with an experienced contractor familiar with the local terrain can help you avoid wasting time, money, and frustration in a build or installation.

Ready to break ground?

Call Thomas Excavation now and get a FREE site evaluation and advice on your soil.