Nice Beech, how do I not kill it

[bugnurd]

This European beech was in an experimental sentinel garden that was being removed, so I saved it from the dumpster this past October. Threw it in a pot with some garden soil. I put it in my garage over the winter. Scratch test tells me it’s still alive. What should I do with it? Let it grow as is? Repot it in proper bonsai soil? Chop it? It’s a pretty nice little tree, so it would be a shame if I did something to kill it. I’m a bonsai newb. Zone 5b, New Hampshire. Pictures are from when I potted it, and also a few from this weekend in its current state. I pulled the leaves off the bottom section to show the branch structure. Thanks!
Marc

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I'm not sure of your best path forward. I think I'd maybe identify a new leader, wire it up gently, add more soil to your bucket to fully cover the nebari and let it be this season. Good luck

 

[bugnurd]

Sounds like a safe plan. As far as choosing a new leader, what do you think about tilting the trunk and developing this one? Or do you think I should go higher up?