On 26/1/05 16:22, in article , "Helen
Hartley" wrote:

snip We did not leave the trees very long but have only pruned 2 out of the
five
and not pruned them too hard. This year after cropping we will decide
whether or not it is a good idea to prune the others in the same way. They
are very mature trees, easily more than 20 years (at a guess).

snip

Some years ago I was told that old apple trees should be pruned slowly, i.e.
a bit this year, a bit next year and so on. Mind you, this was in relation
to one of mine that was thought to be about 80 years old.
Others here may know better, or may know why. I I don't remember the reason
but I imagine it's something to do with a shock to the system! But on that
basis, it sounds as if what you've done is just right.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)