fruit trees

ive a half dozen apple & pear trees about 15 years old that have never had much attention. as i was out pruning other trees & shrubs the other day i got to wondering how i should proceed with starting to prune them , some have started to get quite tall,& out of reach. the fruits ive noticed last year are pretty poor with , scab i think . the best apples seem to be coming from a tree that i think has canker. should i remove this tree or cut it off right down at the bottom branch in the hope of getting new shoots . what i think im looking for here is a general approach to these types of tree as regards their care . thanks

 

Here's three RHS articles Tig. They may help.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0702/apple_scab.asp

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1200/apple_canker.asp

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1205/applepruning.asp

 

thanks dave just what i was looking for