Johnson County recently launched the Soil Quality Restoration Program—a forward-thinking initiative designed to promote eco-friendly landscaping practices among local homeowners. The program addresses a growing concern: the widespread use of synthetic lawn chemicals that degrade soil quality and pollute Iowa’s waterways.
Through this initiative, the county offers financial incentives to encourage residents to adopt natural, sustainable approaches to lawn care, reducing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to long-term ecological damage. Homeowners located outside Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville are eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement—up to $2,000—for approved soil restoration projects.
To ensure consistent quality and environmentally responsible implementation, participants must receive pre-approval from program administrators and work with contractors selected from a pre-vetted list of qualified professionals.