Apple tree advice needed

We have 4 apple trees which we moved the spring before last. They seem to have survived but are not bearing any fruit this year (with the exception of about 5 apples)

Can anyone give advice on how to look after them and how to get the best growth out of them. Here's some pictures of them

 

Hi Dave

What variety are they and what roostock are they on will help.

To start with you need to cut out the dead pieces they could cause problems with disease etc

Most of us on here hardly had any fruit set, late frost was the problem and killed off the blossom

Spruce

 

Thanks Spruce! To tell the truth I have no idea of what variety they are as they were here when we moved.

Thanks for the info on cutting the dead pieces out though, is that something for this time of year?

 

Hi Dave

yes do now with the dead bits.

Your trees are probably small growing ie max about 12 feet , wait till all the leaves drop off, probably due some selective pruning .
I always summer prune mine ie cutting the new growth this year by half or leaving one to grow on to fill a gap.

Hard to describe what to do when pruning apple trees as each one is unique to the garden its growing in , if I was to pop round I would have it all done in a hour .

A good feed in the spring with Bonemeal will work wonders , and apples do respond well.
Fertility of the soil is key so add around the top of the soil any old compost etc and try not to grow anything to close to them

Basics for pruning is taking dead branches out anything crossing ( rubbing each other) keep the middle open to let the air and light circulate.
Good things is they have survived the move so would have settled back in this year and with all the rain we have had.

Hope this helps a little

Spruce

 

Hi Spruce, yes, that's a great help, thanks so much

Dave