Does my shrub need to be replaced?

Question

I have this shrub that looks half-dead (see attached picture). Can you tell me if it will come back in the spring or if it needs to be replaced? I don’t know what kind it is.

If it does need to be replaced, can you tell me what would look best there? It is in between two other shrubs of comparable height. If I pull this one out, won’t it look odd if I put in a new immature shrub?

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Answer 1

You might try pruning out the dead wood first and see how it looks. Wait till late winter or early spring to prune. If it doesn't look too bad wait till about June to see if it is coming back at all. If not, go ahead and remove it.
You can buy new shrubs that are large, but they cost more of course. It takes about 3 years for a deciduous shrub to reach full size. Evergreens such as boxwoods grow slower. Here are some shrub options for your zone 7:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-evergreen-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-bushes.htm