Pruning Services in Kittery, Maine
Gentle pruning shaped by the beauty, history, and coastal character of Kittery.
Kittery’s landscapes are influenced by ocean breezes, rocky soils, and the rich character of Maine’s oldest town. From the seaside neighborhoods overlooking the Piscataqua to the tree-lined streets near Kittery Foreside, plants here grow with a mix of coastal resilience and classic New England charm.
Our pruning work respects this environment. We provide thoughtful, professional care for shrubs, hedges, and ornamental trees so they can grow strong, balanced, and naturally beautiful—despite the unique pressures of life by the sea.
Understanding Kittery’s Coastal Growing Conditions
Before pruning, we observe how each plant has responded to its surroundings. In Kittery, that often means:
Seasonal salt exposure
Leaning or wind-shaped branches
Fast summer growth, slowed by ocean breezes
Winter dieback from cold coastal storms
Soft, sandy, or rocky soils that affect root anchoring
This awareness allows us to prune in a way that supports long-term health and graceful, resilient structure.
Our Pruning Services
Shrub Pruning
Kittery’s shrubs often face shifting winds and salt air, which can create uneven growth patterns. We prune shrubs to restore balance, encourage fuller inner branching, and support healthy, seasonal regrowth.
This includes hydrangea, bayberry, holly, viburnum, spirea, rhododendron, and other coastal-tolerant varieties common throughout the region.
Our approach is gentle yet precise—never rushed or overly aggressive.
Ornamental Tree Pruning
Ornamental trees bring shape and beauty to Kittery’s gardens, especially in neighborhoods close to the water. Many benefit from selective pruning that highlights their natural form while improving structural strength.
Our ornamental tree pruning focuses on:
Reducing weight on wind-exposed limbs
Encouraging balanced branching
Enhancing the tree’s natural silhouette
Improving airflow and light penetration
Supporting healthy seasonal growth
Japanese maple, serviceberry, dogwood, crabapple, and other smaller ornamental trees respond beautifully to proper pruning.
Hedge Pruning
Hedges help create privacy and structure in Kittery’s yards and coastal properties. With routine shaping, they stay dense, healthy, and visually clean.
We shape hedges with an emphasis on:
Full interior growth
Natural, tailored lines
Strength against wind exposure
Even height and proportion
Seasonal timing based on species
This includes arborvitae, yew, privet, boxwood, and mixed evergreen hedges.
Why Pruning Matters in a Coastal Community
Kittery’s mix of salt, wind, and maritime weather patterns makes pruning essential—not optional—for plant health.
Thoughtful pruning supports:
Better resistance to storm stress
Healthier, more balanced structure
Fuller growth throughout the plant
Improved flowering on seasonal shrubs
Recovery from winter burn and dieback
Each cut is made to guide, not control, allowing plants to thrive naturally in their coastal environment.
Seasonal Timing for Kittery’s Climate
We follow a seasonal pruning schedule designed to support the rhythms of coastal plants:
Late winter / early spring: Structural shaping and removal of winter damage
Late spring / early summer: Post-bloom pruning for old-wood bloomers
Summer: Hedge refinement, shaping, and gentle corrective work
Early fall: Light touch-ups for select species
Timing is always tailored to the plant, not the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Salt, wind, and fluctuating temperatures influence how plants grow, so pruning must be adapted accordingly.
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Absolutely. Many mature shrubs can be renewed gradually through staged pruning.
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Yes. Proper timing and selective thinning directly improve flowering.
Supporting the Gardens of Kittery with Care and Expertise
Whether you're near Kittery Point, the Foreside, Admiralty Village, or a quiet inland neighborhood, your landscape benefits from pruning that respects both plant biology and coastal conditions.
If you’d like to schedule pruning or discuss your plants, you’re welcome to reach out:
James Hommiel
📧 james@hommiellc.com
📞 (603) 770-5072
Thoughtful, coastal-aware pruning for Kittery, Maine.

