Apple tree saving/ pruning

If it were mine, I would aggressively address the rhododendron/laurels and reform a bare area beneath the apple. It could then be nourished and given a chance to revive. Perhaps remove the weaker upper branches to install a more pleasing shape, while shortening the others to a suitable flower bud. Does it produce at present? , is it fruit you find worthwhile

 

Looks a bit like mine.

 

I'd probably have a go at trying to balance it up by pulling some of the top branches over to the other side with wires or rope for a year or two.
The stem is not going to straighten I'm assuming its solid, so the growth needs to come back across to the other side to form a balance to the tree.

If they wont bend then I'd prune some of them back to buds facing in that direction and make sure the new shoots that arise grow in that direction next year.

Maybe in subsequent years take off the lowest branches entirely once the top growth has become more balanced.

 

Looks to me like it got blown over early after planting and not straightened up.

 

Don't think I would dig it up. Not apple trees but
I know of a few trees around here that got knocked to an angle of 45 degrees during the 1987 event and they were left like it .
They have balanced their selves by growing stronger on the opposite side to the lean.
I'd just try to encourage it to do that.

Maybe stake it low down to stop the roots moving

 

If you really want to straighten it you could try a guy rope attached to the top of the trunk and slowly over a period of a couple of years pull it upright bit by bit.

 

Think of it as an ongoing experiment
Couple of mm at a time.

 

Create a strainer sling anchored at two points to stakes driven in at 70 degrees. Pass around tree just below the first branch and incorporate two of these* so that you can progressively tighten by small increments to pull it upright over time.
*Turnbuckle M6 | Toolstation
Could also be done with ratchet straps.

 

Um...I can't help remembering you advising someone to leave their newly-planted fruit tree well alone Now you know why I advised a bit of formative pruning I do sympathise, though...I've got a couple of leaning fruit trees that, even though staked, got blown over in westerly gales. They do respond well to chopping/re-balancing