When planting your apple tree, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter  of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating   plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Place the plant  in the planting hole and carefully refill, firming the soil around the roots to  eliminate air pockets. Insert stake at this point if required. 
 Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they  arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting - or if this is not possible, they can be  heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. 
 Keep the base of the tree weed free, fertilise at the beginning of each year  water regularly during hot, dry spells. 
 The main prune should be done in the winter as long as it isn't frosty or  freezing. Take out the 3D’s (dead, dying and diseased wood) and create an open shape. Then reduce the leaders back by a third. Aim to create an airy structure  without any crisscrossing branches. 
 In August summer prune. Shorten any side shoots (or laterals) which are longer  than 20cm back to three leaves. This will allow the sun to ripen the fruit and  encourage more fruit buds. Make sure that the growth you’re cutting away feels   firm to the touch.