How to Cover Aucuba Japonica in a Freeze

Aucuba japonica is an evergreen shrub that thrives in United States Department of Agriculture growing zones 7 through 10. This medium-sized plant has vertical branches; its light-green foliage contains a dusting of yellow coloring on top that deepens depending on the cultivar. Aucuba japonica needs protection from frost to prevent damage. Growers can construct effective barriers that protect the plant from both frost and drying winter winds.

4- to 5-foot-tall wooden stakes
Hammer
Burlap
Staple gun
Scissors
Old sheets or frost blanket (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Walk to one side of the Aucuba japonica and place a 4- to 5-foot-tall wooden stake on the ground at one corner. Move the stake out until it is at the end of the longest branch. Pound the stake into the ground by 6 to 10 inches using a hammer until the stake feels secure.
- 2
  Insert three more wooden stakes around the perimeter of the Aucuba japonica in the same manner, placing one at each corner. The final result is a square around the shrub.
- 3
  Place the end of a roll of burlap at one of the wooden stakes and secure it using a staple gun. Space the staples every 4 to 5 inches down the stake.
- 4
  Wrap the burlap around the remaining wooden stakes, thus encompassing the shrub. When you reach the original stake, cut off the excess burlap using scissors and staple the free end to the wooden stake.
- 5
  Cover the top of the barrier before nightfall when frost is expected. You can simply lay the burlap on top of the barrier or use an old sheet or a frost blanket.
- 6
  Leave the top covering on the barrier until temperatures rise above freezing the next morning; then remove it to prevent shrub damage.

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