Advice on pruning this mature apple tree

Olivergeorgegardens · 23 February

Hello all,
I started tackling this apple tree today but became a bit overwhelmed with all the water shoots growing out of the top.

I have opened up the centre of the tree to allow for better airflow.

Should I trim off all of the water shoots?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

steephill · 23 February

Lots of useful advice here https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=279

pansyface · 23 February

And here for what you have at the moment.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding

Allotment Boy · 23 February

The general advice is not to take more than 1/3 at any one time. If you prune too hard it just stimulates growth in the way you have now. If you prune in late summer you will restrict growth. You could shorten the water shoots by a third or take one in 3 out completely. It may take several seasons to get it right.

Advice on pruning this mature apple tree

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