Can I prune fruit trees now ?

I started with my "new" allotment ( total area abt 1,400 square mts) last year just as a veg garden etc etc but now I am wondering what I should do with the many fruit trees (apple,nut,fig,cherry and some I do not recognize) which obviously have not been pruned for many seasons although most are quite young (small) but very stragley .... Can I prune them now??? ... taking into consideration that the ground is rock hard as the frost has been with us for the last two months and will probably warm-up around mid march.

I just feel that something has to be done with them before another season starts !! :cnfs:

 

apples and pears can be pruned now dont do cherries and lumbs though this can cause silverleaf a fungul problem (prune them in summer) The nut will depend on the variety, fig can be done now too (although new growth could be damaged by late frosts - which would be a set back rather than a disaster.)

 

Its very difficult to convey prunning requirements and techniques so I would suggest the RHS prunning book which will deal with both renovation for neglected and overgrown plants and general prunning

 

I'll echo the previous suggestions but also suggest you try to talk to some of your experienced local growers - they'll know what works best in your particular location and climate.