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alot of it is quite heavy growth, so Ill have to wait until next autumn then.
No, you could get away with doing it before. Just make sure of a couple of things. That if you do it now or before the buds begin to swell. That you use cut paste, and that the tree is well protected. Heavy pruning and a cold drying wind are bad bed fellows.
I have done before as I suggested. Obviously not the most preferable time, but it will work with proper precautions and be effective. However if your not in a rush and can wait, autumn would be ideal.