buxus problem

Hi all
I recently moved into a house with a low hedge under the front window which I'm pretty sure is Box, which I don't have much experience with. I know from photos that during 2023 it completely defoliated, I'm guessing because of either blight or caterpillars, but looked healthy the year before. I've had a quick look at one of the plants and it appears to be still alive. Is it worth trying to save these plants? My instinct is that it probably isn't, but I'm wondering if anyone with more experience of them has any thoughts. Is it worth cutting them right down and seeing what happens?
Thanks

 

It depends on how fond you are of Box. They might rejuvenate eventually, but it would be an ongoing battle to keep them healthy. I'd get rid and plant an attractive evergreen like Sarcococca or Skimmia if it's shady, Lavender, Rosemary, Cistus or Hebe if it gets full sun.

 

Thanks. The site is south-facing. I have a small yew plant and have seen it mentioned for low hedges, but the fact that it's a small tree makes me think it would require regular pruning to keep it to size?

 

Ilex crenata, a small leaved holly has been suggested as a replacement for box hedging. Like box it will need a bit of trimming.
See Ilex crenata | Japanese holly Shrubs/RHS Gardening

 

Remove it, because it will only give ongoing trouble. Either replace it with Ilex crenata or go with a different design idea there.