It's too early yet, Mags. Our tree peonys are not even thinking of putting out new anythings. I would leave it a month or two yet before considering that the wood might be dead.

Exactly, as B says, dead wood only, when you're sure it is dead. And as Alan Titchmarsh famously said in answer to the question 'Can I prune my tree peony?', 'Yes, you can prune your tree peony, but don't expect it ever to flower'. Worthy

Thanks for your advice! Mags