Willow spring preparation questions

[jwell]

Spring in central Wisconsin is coming up soon. I have an Austree Willow bonsai that is starting to grow leaves a little early maybe. Spring and warm temperatures are about a month or 2 away, where I can move it back outside. Is it okay that leaves are starting to sprout on the tips of branches? (see photo)

I’m also wondering about other things I should be looking to do:

-There is a thick root system, should I switch to a larger pot? For a thicker trunk as well. The pot is currently 9inches diameter.

-I’m looking to trim down the branches for styling, should I do it early in the spring?

-Can I cut off the top of the trunk? Seems to have died off(See photo 3)

Any info is appreciated

 

[jradics]

I'm surprised it lived in the house all winter with typically very low humidity from having the heat running for the past 5 months. Anyway, now that it's awake, water the heck out of it and cut the tops to your heart's content