) on this forum.!!Yes, some cutting and pruning is needed, but in your place I'd think about it long and hard. And watch out: the Leptospermums are REALLY sensitive shrubs and you don't treat them the way you do a Chinese elm. Which species is this? If it is the Leptospermum scoparium, or Manuka, repotting is very, very risky (no kidding!), because they react quite badly to root manipulation. Other species are much easier, like the Leptospermum petersonii, or lemon-scented tea-tree. Don't repot unless you have to, and certainly not if the little tree is doing well in its present environment.
Generally: get to know the characteristics of your tree before you do ANY work!
And THINK BEFORE YOU CHOP!
Lisa
Craig and Lisa, What will he regret and what does he need to think twice about cutting off a straight trunk. ??? Chris, Naturalistic doesnt mean you cant design with dynamic movement, whats Japanese traditional got to do with what Cali wants to achieve out of his tree ??? He obviously doesnt want the luggage that at this trees worth, time and place in life is definately not necessary. Not all of us want instant bonsai !!! Well done Cali you know and understand your material and have learnt well, this is bonsai !!! Find the smallest most dynamic tree/trunk line in what other wise is a very ordinary piece of stock and go for it !!! From this you can either make a great dynamic shohin or grow on and make a better, larger dynamic tree 
