why are my Japanese aucuba leaves turning yellow and dropping

Question

Experienced a harsh winter with a lot of snow and ice.

Answer 1

Aucuba is not reliably hardy in your zone, and the stress of a harsh winter can lead to many diseases. This article will tell you more: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/notes/Ornamental/od21aucuba/od21aucuba.htm