Q.Can Japanese Aucuba Be a Tree?
I have one that is about 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall and maybe 4 ft wide. It is really full and lush, but I was thinking about making a small tree out if it. . . . is this a good idea? Can I remove the lower branches without ruining the shape up top? I’m in Roy, Washington.

Depending on the variety of your plant, it may get as tall as 15', or stay closer to 5'. If your acuba is planted in the landscape, you might want to pursue making a tree with a container acuba. It’s always interesting what plants can do when ‘invited’ to grow in a different form.