Since mid-2003, local lawn care companies have donated the time, personnel and equipment to maintain the 18 acres at the interchange of SR 41/I-75 under a project known as Operation Cloverleaf.
This year, Operation Cloverleaf has also given the citizens of Troy and the City an amazing Christmas present. The Operation Cloverleaf Team provided all the equipment, labor and design of a new “impact planting” project at the SW quadrant of the Cloverleaf. The planting spells T-R-O-Y. The letters are 18’ foot high and required over 180 Winter Gem Boxwood shrubs. As the motoring public travels heading north or exits off the interstate, they will see the planting.
Said Troy Mayor Michael Beamish: “The companies of Operation Cloverleaf are adding to their philosophy of giving back to the community and keeping this major gateway into Troy looking fantastic at no cost to the taxpayers beyond the purchase of materials. I thank all the Operation Cloverleaf companies and employees for this beautiful and generous Christmas gift that we will enjoy year long.”
The City paid for the cost of the shrubs as a part of the City Beautification Committee budget, and provided some other assistance. Finfrock Construction Company donated some special equipment needed to complete the plantings. The eight companies that make up Operation Cloverleaf then provided the equipment and labor to do the planting on December 21, 2016.
The Operation Cloverleaf companies are:
o ALL PRO LANDSCAPE
o ANDERSON'S TREE COMPANY
o EVER-GREEN TURF & LANDSCAPE
o GREENTECH LAWN AND IRRIGATION
o MERCER GROUP, INC.
o QUALITY LAWN & LANDSCAPE
o SHIELDS LAWN TAMER
o TREE CARE INC.
Their combined annual donation to maintain Operation Cloverleaf has an estimated value to the community in excess of $40,000. Through the volunteer efforts, and partnering with the City for the purchase of some of the supplies, this interchange has become beautifully manicured with flowering trees, seasonal flowers and other landscape features, including rocks.