We have a couple of old, beautiful and still fruiting apple trees on our property. Not sure what kind except that the fruit is tasty and red skinned. Part of the original orchard that was here. Perhaps a Mac?

Anyways, now is the time to prune and I was wondering how to go about it with this tree. It already has a basic "open vase " like form. I do not think they have been attended to for many years.

I have done some reading and have read differing opinions on how much I can prune in the first year without harming the tree.

I have already taken out the dead wood and taken away much of the branches that are crossing and choking out the centre of the tree. Hopefully I am on the right track.

One can look at pictures but they are sometimes confusing for this novice tree pruner. It is quite a big tree. I would also like, if possible to decrease the height of the tree. Is this possible? I have an idea of what shape I would like to strive for.

Soooo any help would be appreciated.