Hi Patricia, 

This looks like an old 'water sprout' that has gotten large. There are some smaller ones on the branch behind it too. Water sprouts are usually a stress response to some type of damage or could also be from pruning. They are best removed when they are young. The large one in the foreground we would recommend leaving at this point and the smaller ones behind it could be removed. If left they can create weak branching in the tree and divert energy away from the larger structural branches. 

I attached a photo showing the branches to remove and ones to remain. 

Red: remove - it looks like there are some suckers at the bottom as well that you can prune off. 

Blue: this looks like an old water sprout from a long time ago- nothing needed for care, just pointing it out

Yellow: These should stay because they look too large at this point. 

Any broken branches of pruning cuts that aren't in the correct place could be fixed as well. 

You can refer to our pruning trees page for guidance. 

Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

You're welcome!