Read this. http://www.boyernurseries.com/files/Fruit%20Tree%20Pruning%20Guide.pdf.

Thanks for the info I'll print it out to keep it for future references.

Sorry about your mom Cathy.

Thanks tlbean. She started me with this gardening stuff and now I am out of control. Lol

Honestly, you might be better just pulling it out and planting a known apple. Who knows what rootstock you have, could range from a super dwarf m26 (unlikley) that will never get taller than 7' up to a seedling rootstock (unlikley) that will be 40'+. And the apples are probably some commercial variety that needs a ton of spraying to stay healthy and provide any fruit. Instead get a rootstock that will do well in your climate, with your disease pressure and that will be a size you will be happy with. Then make sure your apples are a disease resistant variety. Make sure that the 2 will flower at close to the same time (less important if you have flowering crabs in your area) because apples need another variety to cross polinate. It is also nice to have 2 different ripening times so you are not overloaded with apples at one time then get nothing for the rest of the season. Early apples such as Pristine, Redfree, Williams pride. Mid season like Crimson Crisp, Liberty, Macfree, ect. Late season like Enterprise, Goldrush, ect. Although you are in zone 8 so warmer climate guys could probably direct you to better apples for you (i'm in zone 4). Since it is just going to be 2 trees and in your backyard read about ''bagging'' apples. Can work well for spray free fruit. Good luck!

While I agree with Hungry in principle, this tree has a sentimental value to you. I understand you want to keep it in memory of your mother. Apple trees are easier, in general, to care for than peaches, cherries or even plums in your area. They can last many years with good care.

I hope you planted it in a sunny area or where it gets at least 6-7 hours of sun a day. Too much shade, it won't be fruitful and may cause more diseases. If your neighborhood has crab apples or other apple trees within a few miles from you, you may not need to plaant another apple to cross pollinate yours.

Google apple cedar rust and apple scab and read about these common apple diseases so you can be ready. You likely will need to spray for it. Organic method may not be enough in your hot, humid area. Armed yourself with knowledge. You should be able to keep your tree alive and thrive.

Missed the sentimental value part. Time will tell if you value the tree or curse it due to disease pressure. If it ends up dying or you take it out there is nothing wrong planting another tree in the same spot in memory of your mother. That is the nice thing with sentiment - you can apply it to anything. Good luck.

I'll research the spraying with the how's and when's. I'm not pulling it up. I know my mom had other apple plum and pear trees in her yard but I'm about five miles away from her home. I'm not sure about other trees besides plum trees in my neighborhood. I have about four pecan trees in my back yard. Lost one in the storm last year.

I guess I can Google some info on spraying apple trees in my area. I'll also go visit the Clemson Extension that's near me.

Yes, googling info on fruit trees from Clemson Extension service or Penn State, Cornell, etc. is often recommended.