Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Cotinus damage, weird spring- need advice!, 0 by Pfg

Pfg wrote:
It has become clear that a venerable Cotinus has lost some major limbs. There are 2 main trunks, and the smaller one on the right only has leaves halfway up. The other one has lost a couple of large branches and several small ones. I know some people cut them back hard to stimulate bushy and colorful new growth. Would it work if we cut everything back to the same height? Or is that too drastic for an older tree? Or too late in the season? Should we just take off what looks dead?

The picture is from last summer. I can post a new one of the damage tomorrow.

Please help!

Thanks, Pam