Build a cage around it sorta like the one in the background. That will support the branches and keep out the critters. Here I'd need mesh small enough to keep out the birds as well. My main critters are birds and coon.

Well there you go, the answer was right in front of me. I don't know what I would do if I was all alone.

Thanks fruitnut.

Keep in mind that not all those buds will set fruit and many/most/all of the fruitlets will drop of their own accord. The tree may well solve the problem on its own.

How many apples do you think can be grown on this tree without it overbearing, have good flavors and a decent size?

As of today there are 240 fruitlets, 1,300 flowers. I would say it's a big jump as last year this tree had less then 15 fruitlets. I will have to do a lot of thinning this year. I will not wait for natural fruit drop to take place knowing it will consume too much energy as this tree is only 5ft. and in a container.