As for how to prune, Gary follows a 'central leader' guideline, which covers plants like apples, pears, and cherries or 'open center' for other trees such as plums and peaches. A central leader ...

Can I reduce the height of my apple trees so all the fruit is within reach without a ladder? Is this a good time to prune apple and other fruit trees?

Free-standing fruit trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they're dormant, in winter. Trained trees, such as espaliers, cordons, pyramids and fans should be ...