[Grubbypaws]

I have just removed the protective tube around my young apple tree to find strange lumps and shoots (picture) which i believe to be burr knot.

It looks as if it is my fault    Using a guard to protect the young trunk has created the conditions for it to happen. I have removed the guard and everything from around the area but have 2 questions which I hope that someone can answer.

Should I remove more soil from the stem in case there are more of these things that I cant see below the surface?

What should I do with the 3 burr knots that have developed into shoots?

[Lardman]

It's not clear from you pictures, but I think Im right in saying they're all from below the graft site ? If so just ignore them. That's how colonially produced rootstocks are made, some are more prone to doing it than others - is your tree on mm106 ?

Should I remove more soil from the stem in case there are more of these things that I cant see below the surface?

No need to worry about the rootstock rooting below the surface

What should I do with the 3 burr knots that have developed into shoots?

You can cut them off at ground level (but they'll be back) or dig them up carefully and use them as new rootstocks for grafting - which is what I do.

I think you're worrying far too much - If I get time I post a picture of my winter greening which is a pathetically sickly specimen by comparison to yours.

[Grubbypaws]

Thank You 
I love being told that I am worrying too much!!