Pruning and fertilizing apple trees. Curious about something

[mainebowhunter]

Here is the end result. I don't think it looks too bad. But what the heck do I know...

[Southern Man]

I'd say there needs to be a bit of choppin done.

[mainebowhunter]

Yeah...did some reading. Looks like need to bring a ladder.

[mainebowhunter]

Watched some videos on Youtube...I am WAY off the mark with my pruning. Nowhere near enough. And not done correctly. But I am also not trying to get apples to eat. Just trying to get a tree to produce apples every year. Spurs, water sprouts, buds, straight cuts, diagonal cuts.

[Southern Man]

If it were me and that was my tree, I'd wack most of the top off of it. And let the new growth form the crown of the tree. That would take a while but it would bring it back to a manageable level. Yearly maintenance after that.

I had a pear tree in my yard for about 15 years. I never let it get over 10 - 12' tall. It produced a bunch of sweet pears every year. Wind got it last year and I cut it down to 4' tall, just the trunk. I'm curious to see if it comes back out or dies. It's been a good one.

[mainebowhunter]

I think...this year, I am just going bring a ladder in, cut out the crossovers, cut out the branches that hang down, thin out stuff that is touching.
I will never eat these apples. AND honestly, if it does not help solve the biennial issue, I could care less. Tree produces enough apples to be a draw. I am hoping by making tree healthier, it will help it produce yearly.

What I need to do is hire an arborist who does not hunt to help me.

[mainebowhunter]

Once I get a chance, will get some pics posted. Took an extension ladder back in and spent probably 2-3hrs pruning. It was a nightmare with crossovers, branches wrapping around each other. We shall see what happens with green up. Crossing my fingers. Next will be some fertilizer.