Text and photos by Blue Root Media 

North Philadelphia native Thom Johnson is bringing new life to the neighborhoods where he grew up. As the founder of Johnson Lawncare and Landscaping and a partner with the PHS LandCare program, Thom now maintains more than 250 revitalized parcels of land across Strawberry Mansion and Francisville—many on the very same streets he once called home. 

A New Direction in Lawn Care and Community Impact 

Thom’s path to the LandCare program began after more than two decades as a pest control technician. By 2019, he was ready for a change, both for his health and for new opportunities. Inspired by a neighbor running a lawn care business, Thom bought a walk-behind mower and started small. Soon, he was able to bring on his son, Safir, as an employee. 

Tragically, Safir was a victim of gun violence later that year. In the face of loss, Thom’s mission shifted. What began as a way to make ends meet became a way to give back to his community through PHS LandCare and honor his son’s memory. 

Partnering with the PHS LandCare Program 

In 2022, Thom became an official contractor with the PHS LandCare program, which transforms abandoned, overgrown, and trash-filled lots into safe, green community spaces. PHS and its local partners stabilize vacant land by: 

• Clearing trash and debris 
• Leveling and planting grass and trees 
• Installing fencing 
• Maintaining parcels with regular mowing and care 

Today, Thom and his three employees provide twice-monthly upkeep on their assigned sites, keeping blocks clean, safe, and welcoming for neighbors. 

“Thom really cares about the work LandCare does and takes pride in keeping our sites maintained,” says Austin Schubert, PHS LandCare Operations Manager. “He has stepped up time and again to expand his routes and partner on larger projects.” 

The Impact of PHS LandCare on Philadelphia Neighborhoods 

The transformation of vacant land into community green spaces has powerful ripple effects throughout Philadelphia: 

• 40% decrease in feelings of depression for nearby residents 
• 29% reduction in gun violence around greened lots 
• 13% increase in property values within six years 
• New jobs and stability for small businesses like Thom’s 

For Thom, the rewards are both personal and community-driven. “Everything would be wild out here without us,” he says. “It makes me happy seeing people utilizing these parcels and kids playing there.” 

Fast Facts about PHS LandCare 

• 20,190 parcels cleaned and greened as of Fall 2024 
• 20 neighborhood nonprofits and 15 local small businesses maintain sites 
• 250 parcels maintained by Johnson Lawncare and Landscaping 

Why Supporting PHS LandCare Matters 

The PHS LandCare program is more than just a beautification effort, it’s about building safer, healthier, and more connected communities. By transforming vacant lots into welcoming spaces, LandCare creates opportunities for neighbors to gather, children to play, and wildlife to thrive, all while supporting local businesses. 

Thanks to community partners like Thom Johnson, the impact of PHS LandCare continues to grow across Philadelphia.