Old Bramley apple tree

[divvy]

My son has an old Bramley apple tree in his garden . When he first moved in 2 years ago he got quite a lot of apples from it but each year it has become less . this year blossom was only in patches and it lost nearly all the fruit in the june drop. My guess is that it needs a good cut back but we don't know what we are doing . The tree has not been touched for years and has grown a bit to one side . Can anyone advise us please.

[Two_Sheds]

does this help? > Royal Horticultural Society - Advice: Pruning Established Apple Trees

[Polly Fouracre]

We too have an ancient Bramley. Most years we get an abundance of fruit but this year, hardly any. This is the same all over this area so it is probably due to weather conditions at flowering time.
We also have another cooker that is ready at the same time and if anyone could shed a bit of light on what variety it may be, I would be grateful.
It grows long shoots that need to be pruned to get the maximum yield and has a palish green apple that often weigh almost a pound (500 gms.) each.
They are not as tart as a Bramley but cook down the same.

[divvy]

Thanks Two sheds , it's as clear as mud now. Totally confused as to what bit is what. When faced with a bloomin great tree that is a tangle of branches , how do you sort out what is what.

[JILLY JACKSON]

I know how you feel!I had the same problem,worried about doing the wrong thing and in the end paid an expert to come in.Money well spent though as it needs little maintainance for a while