Sometimes a hose-end sprayer can reach that high.

It looks like it was really fried on that hot day.I'd take it out of the full sun for awhile,not complete shade,kind of dappled light if possible and gradually give more light. What's the potting mix? Brady

It's up to you if you want to keep it shorter or let it to to 10 + feet. But yes, definitely cut out all dead tissue back to good wood--you will know. (Your Aucuba still has enough foliage to recuperate.) By the way, if you think the particular site you have it is not good, you might be able to transplant it. Mine went through several transplants from house to house, site to site, until it reached it's final position. Looked for a place protected from subarctic winds, blazing sun, hungry deer which LOVE it, etc.. Found a location on the northwestern corner of the house, protected and watered by the outdoor shower area. I trim the bottom to keep the deer away and now they can't reach the foliage--even looks 'treelike'! Looks terrific now several years later but you should have seen it before I last moved it, with foliage sun burned from Winter sun, deer eaten and then the rot setting it. It started to recover almost immediately! I would say, here at least, they appreciate some protection from cold (and hot) winds, strong sun, adequate moisture and good ventilation. If per chance it does not make it, don't beat yourself up over it. Go out and buy another. Love these shrubs! Good luck! P.S., some sites advocate raised beds for Aucuba to facilitate drainage. Might be an advantage in Vancouver's chilly, wet Winter. --Here the winters can be much colder but lots of sun too so maybe that helps with drying out in the cold season.

See my response to your orange tree post. Patty S.