[SouP]

I'm sure one of you wonderful people will be able to help me...

In our new garden we have 3 minarette apples trees that apparently have been in the ground for about 2/3 years. I don't think they have been touched since they were planted, and they currently look like 'baby' normal trees (if a bit oddly shaped).
I was told that minarettes need some serious pruning to remain minaretted.
So, should I attack them with the secateurs and a saw, or if I leave them be will they grow up to be smaller versions of a regular tree?
They're all covered in blossom at the moment and appear to be pretty healthy.

Any advice greatly appreciated, thanks

SouP

[cozzcov]

First question is do you want/need minarette trees or are you happy to have a minature bush? Unfortunately, either way, its a bit late in the year for pruning.  Unless you don't mind not having fruit this year.
Do you know anything about the variety/root stock etc? Another thing you need to think about is if the trees are spur-forming or tip-bearing, this also affects the way to prune.
Basically, if its a minarette you want you will need to prune the leaders back hard to a fruit bud.  Minature bush you could get away with pruning the leaders to half their length to shape the tree, then each year prune hard to a fruit bud
Its worth looking in the library for fruit tree books.  There are lots of different rules to pruning, especially if trying to get a neglected tree back into shape. There are too many options to be able to give a definate answer or advise.

[SouP]

Thanks for that cozzcov, its off to the library for me this afternoon!
I'll go and retrieve the tags (still on the apples but very faded) and try to decipher what they actually are.
Little bushes will be fine for me and will fit nicely where they have been planted.
Its confusing this gardening lark innit! So much to try and learn!