Winter pruning apples
Pruning fruit trees is not strictly necessary – they can grow large and gnarly and still produce healthy crops, but if you have limited space or want to keep the tree in rude health and maximise productivity, then considered pruning is your ally. Always use sharp, clean secateurs and saws.
Timely pruning protects plants from pests and diseases, which for apples and pears means pruning during the dormant season.
The overall effect you’re after is an open, uncongested tree that will allow air and light in to keep things healthy and ripen the fruits.