Dear Richelle,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your lavender. This is a tricky plant to keep tidy and requires some special pruning. It is not at all uncommon for sections of the plant to die out, especially on the interior.

Please refer to pages 33-37 in this slide presentation:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/files/168086.pdf

This article may also be helpful:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/growing-lavender-in-colorado-7-245/

Please note that the timing for pruning lavender is very important. However, you can trim out dead stems at any time.

I hope this information is useful. Please write again if you have any other questions.