Apple Tree Pruning Year 9

 I've not missed a year on pruning these trees, and they're shaping up nicely. Although I still want to alter the shape of some of them massively, I love that pruning trees like this is a constantly evolving project and no tree can ever be perfect, and changes each year. 

Before

After - Lower branch removed to slowly raise the canopy to help with field maintenance. Other lower to be removed either next year or the year after. lots of the straight upright growth removed. Interlocking branches removed to open it up more. 

Tree 2 Before

After - Just thinned this one out with some of the higher growth (which we can't reach to pick the fruit) removed. Branches shading each other removed. 

Tree 3 - Before. This is a younger tree, planted to replace one that was run over! 

After - lots of the upright whippy "water shoots" removed. It seems that this variety, Winter Banana, has quite an upright growing habit so it's good to try to encourage branches lower down. The location is quite shaded some of the day so this could also be responsible.   

I always enjoy pruning tree and seeing them develop. These are really coming into their own now and have produced some good crops for us so far - hopefully there will be many more to come! 

Anyone else on tree pruning at the moment?