They formed in colluvium from acid sandstone. Mean annual temperature ranges from 50 to 58 degrees F. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The Berks, Dekalb and Weikert soils are on adjacent shoulders and side slopes of ridges. Laidig soils are on similar adjacent position on the landscape. Permeability is very rapid.
Surface runoff is medium.
Native vegetation is mixed hardwoods and pines. Alleghney mountains in Virginia and possible Kentucky and Tennessee. The series is of small extent. Soils now within the Spessard series were previously included in the Vanderlip series.