Barberry Bush Has Dry And Woody Sections Without Leaves

Question From: Dayton, Ohio, United States
Q: My barberry bushes are 5ft. Tall. This year they have developed large sections without any leaves. Those sections are dry and woody.Should I prune these now or wait til late winter? Is there a spray I can use to make them healthy?

A: If the branches have not developed any green leaves by now they are dead. Probably suffered winter kill. You can cut them back any time. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy