hello,

i rather love argyle apple gums so i have a little one in my yard. i realise
these have a tendency towards a really messy habit while small, but
wondering if i can "fix" it a bit as it's quite a mess.

it's about 1m high & wide now, but only really has 3 branches. some
caterpillar's come along & eaten off most of the leaves, too. it's also
developed a tilt to one side (i didn't stake it). it looks pretty ordinary
all around as you can imagine.

can i make it more bushy with pruning? and if so, when would i do this? (i
am thinking in spring, perhaps?) should i stake it, or will it sort out
itself in time & come to look bushier & nicer next spring if i just leave it
alone?

thank you!
kylie