Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Golden Vicary Privet winter kill?, 0 by Peachykeen

Peachykeen wrote:
I have three mature GV privet that are struggling to come back this year. (I garden in zone 5.) Normally it takes them a while to completely leaf out but they are way behind this year and the branches without leaves (see photo) are brittle and snap easily... as in dead. My question is should I prune back now or wait until fall. I'm afraid I will further stress the plants if I prune now. What do you think?

Thanks,
peachy