Pruning a fruit tree takes a steady nerve – and we all feel we may not be getting it right.
Apples pears and quince should be winter pruned – although most other fruit trees such as apricot and cherry are pruned in summer.
The RHS has a website page called Pruning made Easy, see here, aimed at the beginner.
There’s even a short video on rejuvenating an older tree (on Youtube here) and advice about checking the bark for disease too.
Your tree may also be helped by a winter oil wash and grease bands low on the trunk (both stocked in the Store). These help reduce disease and pests. Winter is the right time to catch up with pruning your apple and pear trees – so pick a sunny day, take courage and prune!