Apple tree advice

Hello!

So, I've four fruit trees, two of them apple in what is a very small space. Clearly they are on dwarfing rootstocks. I've not done anything with them in the six years that I have been here. They seem to crop Ok, but I'm sure I should be pruning etc.

This one has spread a lot to the right, and the weight of the apples tends to pull the branches down. Should j do anything to cut it back?

Cheers

 

I would start to prune in January, when sap is down. Remove any damaged branches, and those growing inwards to maximise light/airflow through the centre. In July, shorten (to stiffen) new growth 1 bud beyond each fruit cluster. If you consider (in May) you have too many set fruit for the strength of the branches, remove a percentage of the crop to prevent snapping. Next year(Jan 26) correct any damage, and re-assess all branches and repeat. Not every tree will bear annually.
Try to limit overall height and reach to sensible dimensions.Personally I will not now climb 40ft up a tree to pick fruit, however tasty they appear.

 

@infradig thank you. Superb guidance for me. I appreciate that