Split apple tree

I have an older (but still producing) apple tree that has a small split on two sides of the trunk. From the ground going up about 30 inches. Noticed some sap coming out and a few ants in the area. What's a good way to treat this tree to save it? lund

About thinning the fruit. What's a good tool to use? Seems like a awful amount of work. I took out a lot of branches last year, but the branches left sure have a look of apples. Lund

I have lost some trees like this in the past. If the branch splits and hits the ground while connected to the parent tree it will put out new roots and start another tree. Apparently most fruit trees produce about 3 times as much fruit as they should with the idea a lot while fall off when it gets to lean times. A lot of people just pick off 2/3 of the fruit while it is small so as not to put as much pressure on the branch. I have never had time to do that.

If the split is at a junction of two main trunks, so the split will cause the two halves to separate, I would use threaded rod and fender washers to bolt the two halves, so the split will not get worse. I have lost cherry trees to this when the fruit comes in and causes extra weight.