Prune more heavily in the upper part of the tree than in the lower. Sunlight will spread more evenly throughout the tree, helping to maintain the productivity of the lower limbs. Take out branches that grow toward the center of the tree. This also allows sunlight to reach the fruit. Cut out branches with narrow crotches.
Narrow crotches are weak, causing branches heavy with fruit to split.
Remove all vertical growth. Upright branches do not produce fruit. Encourage horizontal branches since they tend to bear more fruit. Branches at a 45 or 90 degree angle are the most desirable. Eliminate branches that hang below or across one another.