In article , Lynda Thornton
writes
In article , Brian
--- writes

Don't prune now~~wait another month and then only prune this seasons
growths, back to two or three buds. These will form new fruiting spurs.
Winter pruning causes strong growth and is used for this purpose and
for shaping.
Winter prune for growth~~ Summer pruning for fruiting.
Bramley can be treated as all apples though it ignores any attempt to
keep within bounds. Totally ignores the rootstock and takes more space than
it deserves!!. A real thug.
Best Wishes Brian.


The trees actually have small apples forming on them right now - if I
wait another month will it be a problem to cut back the branches, and
how do I identify this year's growth and buds? I am a novice with apple
trees as you will no doubt have guessed!

This year's growth will be smooth unbranched growth at the ends of the
twigs - two feet or more by the end of the season. Little knobbly
sidegrowths are the fruiting spurs - check some of the places where
apples are already sprouting and you'll see what to look for.

When we moved here, the Bramley tree which is obviously quite old and
pretty big, was full of apples but I think too full, they weren't
staying green for long and were rapidly turning yellowish, we had a
frantic time trying to cook them and preserve them.

They should last for a long time simply stored in boxes in a cool, not
too dry, place - Bramley's season is from November through to March.
Are you sure it's a Bramley? - there are very many apple varieties.

Having too many apples shouldn't cause them to ripen too quickly, but
would cause them to be smaller than otherwise.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"