Ridges are nothing more than old fronts and are generally considered to be the second best sites for hardwoods. These areas vary in elevation from 2 to 15 feet above flats, but 2 to 3 feet elevation is more common. Drainage may not be quite as good as on fronts, and since the soils are older, fertility may be lower than on fronts. By comparison, soils in ridges are more coarse-textured than those in flats, and drainage is better. Species suitability on these sites would be limited primarily by the typical absence of pioneer species such as yellow poplar.
Flats represent a significant change in site quality, as compared to fronts and ridges.
These are typically broad, smooth areas between ridges or between ridges and fronts. Flats account for the largest area within the floodplain, and overall, the number of desirable species and growth on these sites will be less than on fronts and ridges. Sloughs are shallow depressions originating from old stream channels that are almost filled with sediment. These are low areas with poor drainage, and heavy clay soils and standing surface water is typically present well into the growing season. These sites generally support the growth of lower quality and less desirable species, e.g., overcup oak and water hickory.