Free-standing apple trees are pruned in winter. Cut back the leading shoots on each branch: weak, thin shoots can be cut back by up to one-half of their length; strong shoots by a quarter. Side shoots can also be cut back: weak ones cut back to four buds; strong side shoots back to six buds. Overcrowded spurs need to be thinned out to improve fruit quality. Cut out the weakest shoots from each spur: the mass of shoots should be reduced by a third leaving an open spur. The total number of spurs on a branch can be reduced by removing any weak ones.

Tip-bearing apple varieties have long shoots and a more open appearance. The tips of the leading shoots should be cut off. Some (about one in every three) of the old side branches that have fruited should be cut right back to a young shoot or bud. This will encourage young growth.