Apple trees

[Pesky Wabbit]

Now that I have finished harvesting my apple tree, how and when do I prune it ?

[Pesky Wabbit]

[valmarg]

My dad always pruned his early in the New Year, when they were still dormant.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you how to prune them. ;D

valmarg

[Tee Gee]

how and when do I prune it ?

This is down to type of apple tree!

This info might help; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Apples/Apples.htm

[Pesky Wabbit]

If all the leaves have fallen, is the tree dormant ? and can I prune then. The sooner I do it, the more likly I am to remember/have time.

This years crop was quite large and the long branches were heavily weighted down. I was worried about them snapping.

The tree has never been pruned and I was thinking to shorten the long branches, 4ft +, too about half.

[non-stick]

you need to be careful about over pruning. Take too much off and the tree develops loads of vertical water shoots.

I'd do it by degrees, first take out any crossing, rubbing or damaged branche. When you've done that step back and have a look. The next candidates are probably inward or downward branches.

I normally do mine betwee christmas and new year