Homeowners who would like to have greener and healthier lawns without using chemicals can apply to have 50% of the costs for soil quality restoration reimbursed (up to $2,000) through the Johnson County Soil Health - Soil Quality Restoration Program. 

Good quality soil absorbs more water and provides the nutrients that a lawn needs to be healthy. The result is a reduced need for watering, fertilizers and pesticides, with less runoff and fewer pollutants entering local streams. 

Residents of unincorporated Johnson County and Hills, Lone Tree, Oxford, Shueyville, Solon, Swisher, Tiffin, University Heights and the parts of West Branch located within Johnson County are eligible to apply for the program.

Homeowners who wish to participate must be pre-approved by the program coordinators and use a contractor from a designated list. Approval of program participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The soil quality restoration process involves aeration, which removes small plugs of soil from the lawn to reduce soil compaction, followed by the application of clean compost to add life-restoring organic matter to the soil. 

This year, the county is partnering with the Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District to provide participants with potential additional reimbursement (up to 25%). Applicants can choose this option on the online application. 

Interested homeowners can learn more and apply for the program by visiting johnsoncountyiowa.gov/soil-quality-restoration. An informational video is available at https://tinyurl.com/SHPjc.

For more information, contact Kasey Hutchinson, environmental regulations coordinator, or Becky Soglin, sustainability coordinator, in the Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability Department at [email protected] or 319-356-6083.