Removing last years fruit from Crab Apples

Last year I planted a young crab apple that was in fruit. Most of the fruit fell in the winter but there are still a few shrivelled fruits hanging on. The tree is now coming into leaf & I'm enquiring as to whether it is OK to cut off the old fruits?

 

Hi @polypody I must admit I wouldn't bother - they'll probably get pushed off by new growth. If you just cut off the apple stalk you will probably leave short lengths to snag. Try brushing your hand against them and they should snap off cleanly at base.

 

Thanks for your reply.