I really want to maximize production on our newly planted apple/plum/cherry trees.

==>> then talk to the people in the fruit forum.. they do things much different than tree collectors ...

i would NOT prune a recent transplant for upwards of 2 years ... let it grow a root mass.. before you remove all the food making machines.. aka leaves ... but they might even argue with that tree logic

ken

I agree. Let the trees keep their leaves for photosynthesis, until they get their roots established.

When you do begin pruning. Know that stone fruits and pome fruits require different pruning techniques. Apples fruit on 3-5 year old spurs. If you prune those off, you will never have fruit.