Save the apple tree from the Buddleia

My apple tree is having a bad year! I counted 13 apples. Last year it must have been at least ten times as much. I think it needs some love! And maybe apple trees just have bumper years and normal years, but I think it still needs some love. And sunlight. I decided that it was at risk of being out-competed by a buddleia growing behind it. So I decided that had to die! There is no shortage of buddleias around here. A huge one stands by the side of the house. Another one is continuously trying to block the view from the conservatory (and it's good at it). So this apple-proximal one went! And its trunk will be a modest addition to my already sizeable firewood collection. I hope the apple tree can feel the benefits!

Before

After