Never prune more than one-third of the tree in a single year. This isn’t a buzz-cut; it’s a trim. Take off too much, and the tree goes into shock and produces nothing but regrets. Also, never stand on the top rung of a ladder—that’s how you become a cautionary tale in the local pub.
Surprising fact: apple trees can live and produce fruit for over 100 years. One tree in the UK, the Bramley original, is still going strong since 1809. So, if you mess up this year, don’t panic—you’ve got decades to fix it.
