New Twig Apple Trees

[WVROOKIE]

I recently purchased some fruit trees from the arbor day foundation.I planted them, mulched them put cages around them(deer)they are just 2-3 foot sticks with leaves on them,( some just on the bottom of the stick) my question is....should i prune them or let them go for a few years...do I need to spray them?so basically im asking...what do I do or DON't DO....I have apples, plum's, peaches and cherry trees.thanks all in advance for your advice...by the way...im in West Virginia and we do have "winter's" so should i cover the seedling trees this winter?

 

[jimmyq]

contrary to my response on the other topic of this same question, as I have further reviewed and counseled my response, I figure you should leave them alone mostly excepting staking and support as stick apples generally get no lateral branching to speak of, pruning will be detrimental to the overall health and vigor of the small tree.