When a young fruit tree bears its first fruit, there are some important things that must be done, not only to ensure the future success of the tree, but also that it grows in a way that helps to both shape it and support it.

One of the ways to do this is to not allow the apples to grow two large until the branches have had time to strengthen themselves enough to be able to hold a suitable shape. Apples and other similar fruit of course get heavier as they grow, which in turn will add more weight to the branches, dragging them downwards.

In order to counter this we will be having to remove much of the fruit early (and when it is under ripe). For how many years we will have to do this is uncertain, but as apple trees can be biennial (every other year), this process may take several years for each tree before we have them in a sustainable form.