After a tough winter my boxwood has not recovered - half the bush is pretty healthy, the other half is dead. Should I cut off the dead branches to facilitate growth, or will it never quite recover?

asp,
Ours do the same thing periodically. I wouldn't hesitate to cut out the dead wood, and hope for the best.

to NGA

Boxwoods are very resilient. I've had them die almost to the ground and come back. Those dead branches won't grow new leaves because they are dead. Cut them out and eventually, the middle will fill in.

You don't say where you live but if its an area that has cold dry winters, you may have to water a few times during the winter.

Always make sure all your soil is good and damp before the ground freezes. Cold dessicates plants.