Healthy Roots Allow Sprigs & Twigs To Branch Out

has years of practice removing trees and landscaping grounds for others but this week, they endeavored to make a little bit more space for themselves.

Business representatives and associates cleared land and broke ground this week in preparation for construction of a 4000-square-foot building and large storage yard, which will provide storage and work space for the expanding company.

The company started out in an attic 16 years ago with one Datsun truck that could haul one yard of mulch, according to CEO Bill Lillie. He said now, in a new office space on Hurlbutt Road they have almost 20 “vehicles with wheels” and customers are renewing contracts and doubling requests.

Lillie said the groundbreaking on Baldwin Hill Road indicates that the company is “staying in town and expanding its operations in serving residents and businesses in southeastern Connecticut.”

They plan to keep office space at the 8 Hurlbutt Road location for now.

The project represents the second significant commercial development in Ledyard in recent months after the construction of a CVS store on Route 12 in Gales Ferry.

The landscape company is known for its impeccable work in all phases of the business and consequently, has shown a natural growth rate of 20-30% a year right through the recession, according to Lillie.

He said the company has professional relationships with many of the expansive and renowned grounds in the area. Sprigs & Twigs is the official landscape company of the Mystic Seaport and was chosen for the same role at the Mystic Aquarium this year. They also provide landscape maintenance for the extensive gardens at the Ocean House in Watch Hill.

“Our employees are key,” said Lillie. “Most have college degrees in a related field and those that don't, have professional training and certificates.”

Lillie said having great employees begets great results.

“Our customers give us strong referrals and people see our work and it sells itself.”