A second tier of branches should be established above the first scaffold. Two or three tiers of branches are enough on a dwarf tree. The leader must always remain the highest point in the tree even though it can be pruned to keep the tree at the desired height. As the fruit tree grows older it must be pruned so light and air can reach the fruit. Renewal pruning should be done from time to time since the size and quality of the fruit diminishes on old fruiting wood.
Spring pruning encourages more growth.
If you find that some varieties are too vigorous, put off pruning them until July or August when pruning will not stimulate as much new growth. Allow two or three of the sprouts to grow. If they develop adequately, you may try bud grafting later in the summer or try more scion grafts next spring.