jemmick

Alicia,
Though not a seasoned expert, I can only tell you that I believe the chop can and should be accomplished this spring unless you don't mind loosing a growing season . All my experience has been with apples that have been collected in the spring howevet if your tree responded well and was in full leaf and acted normally through the fall then I would say it is fine . Apples are normally agressive ,however I would wait to do your proposed chops after you see the tips of green forming in the buds in the spring and would not chop lower than the last 2 or 3 buds just to be safe. If in dout wait. Apples are fun and I have yet to loose one yet . For culture info consult Nick Lentz's book "Bonsai From The Wild"If you can find a copy.
hope this helps.
Regards,
Jonathan

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Jonathan