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5 Essential Landscaping Lessons From Roger Cook: The Enduring Legacy Of The 'This Old House' Icon

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The world of home improvement and landscaping mourned a profound loss on August 21, 2024, with the passing of Roger Cook. The longtime landscape contractor for the iconic PBS series This Old House and its spinoff, Ask This Old House, died at the age of 70 after a long battle with illness. Cook’s nearly four decades on television turned him into a beloved figure, known for his gentle demeanor, encyclopedic knowledge of plants, and commitment to sustainable, practical yard design. His death, while a somber moment, has reignited interest in the timeless lessons he shared with millions of viewers.

This comprehensive look at Roger Cook’s life and enduring legacy explores his complete biography, the history of his company, and the five essential principles that defined his unique approach to transforming outdoor spaces.

Roger A. Cook: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Roger A. Cook was more than just a television personality; he was a dedicated businessman, a certified landscape contractor, and a pillar of the New England community.

  • Full Name: Roger A. Cook
  • Born: 1954
  • Hometown: Burlington, Massachusetts
  • Spouse: Kathleen "Kathy" Cook (deceased 2010). They met in high school.
  • Company Founded: K&R Tree and Landscape Company in Burlington, Mass., co-founded with his wife Kathy in 1982.
  • Career on Television: Landscape Contractor for This Old House and Ask This Old House from 1982 until his retirement in 2020. He stepped back from his full-time role in 2018 due to health issues.
  • Expertise: Landscaping, hardscape, tree work, and sustainable garden design.
  • Death: August 21, 2024, at age 70, following an extended illness.

Cook’s passion for the outdoors started early in his life growing up in Burlington. His company, K&R Tree and Landscape Company, quickly grew into one of New England's leading landscape firms, specializing in both plant installation and complex hardscape projects. His on-screen career began in 1982, the same year he started his business, and he became a fixture on the show, sharing his knowledge with co-stars like Richard Trethewey and Mauro Henrique, and millions of viewers.

The Enduring Legacy: Tributes and Retirement

Roger Cook’s retirement in 2020 marked the end of an era for This Old House, but his death in 2024 brought an outpouring of emotion from fans and colleagues alike. Executive Producer Chris Wolfe shared a touching tribute, noting, “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are life lessons from Roger that I take with me.” The show dedicated a segment to his memory, highlighting his gentle nature and willingness to teach.

His legacy is defined not just by the beautiful yards he created, but by his patient, hands-on teaching style. He had a unique ability to make complex landscaping tasks, from installing a new patio to managing large tree removals, seem accessible to the average homeowner.

5 Essential Landscaping Lessons from Roger Cook

Roger Cook’s philosophy centered on creating functional, beautiful, and environmentally sound outdoor spaces. His advice, often delivered with a trademark New England accent and a calm demeanor, remains highly relevant today. Here are five of his most essential landscaping principles:

1. Embrace the "Green" Landscaping Philosophy

Cook was a dedicated advocate for environmentally friendly practices long before "sustainability" became a buzzword. His core belief was in creating a landscape that could thrive naturally, minimizing the need for chemical intervention.

  • Avoid Pesticides: He consistently advised against the use of harsh chemical pesticides and herbicides, preferring natural solutions and proper plant selection to manage pests and weeds.
  • Composting and Soil Health: Roger emphasized that a healthy garden begins with healthy soil, often advocating for composting to enrich the ground naturally.
  • Water Conservation: From proper drainage solutions to selecting drought-tolerant plants, he taught viewers how to be mindful of water usage.

2. Low-Maintenance is the Best Maintenance

While a beautiful landscape requires work, Cook often focused on techniques and materials that would reduce the long-term burden on the homeowner. This was particularly evident in his approach to urban gardening and smaller spaces.

  • Hardscape Longevity: When installing patios, walkways, or retaining walls (hardscape), he always stressed proper base preparation to ensure the structure would last for decades with minimal settling or repair.
  • Right Plant, Right Place: A cornerstone of his advice was selecting plants appropriate for the specific microclimate, soil type, and sun exposure of a yard, which dramatically cuts down on maintenance and plant failure.

3. Don't Just Hire It Out—Get Your Hands Dirty

Perhaps his most beloved trait was his mentorship. Roger Cook always encouraged homeowners to participate in the landscaping process, fostering a sense of ownership and teaching a new skill.

  • Teaching Moments: He would patiently walk homeowners through tasks like mixing concrete, pruning shrubs, or installing a drainage system, transforming a daunting project into a manageable lesson.
  • The Value of Labor: He believed that understanding the work involved in a project, whether it was a simple planting or a complex grading job, gave homeowners a greater appreciation for their property.

4. The Importance of Proper Tree Work and Arboriculture

As the owner of K&R Tree and Landscape Company, Roger possessed deep expertise in arboriculture. He often reminded viewers that a mature tree is a massive, long-term investment that requires respect and expert care.

  • Pruning Techniques: His segments frequently included demonstrations of correct pruning to ensure tree health and safety, always warning against "topping" trees.
  • Root Management: He taught that proper planting depth and care for the root ball were critical for a tree's survival and growth, a common oversight in DIY projects.

5. Landscape Design Must Complement the Architecture

Roger Cook understood that the landscape is the frame for the home. His designs always took cues from the house’s architecture and the surrounding neighborhood to create a cohesive whole.

  • Curb Appeal: His projects consistently demonstrated how thoughtful plantings and well-maintained lawns could dramatically increase a home’s curb appeal and value.
  • Functionality: Beyond beauty, he focused on practical elements like creating usable outdoor "rooms," ensuring easy access, and managing rainwater runoff away from the foundation, blending aesthetics with crucial home protection.

Roger Cook’s influence extends far beyond the television screen. His work, documented in decades of This Old House episodes, books like *Essential Landscaping*, and contributions to *This Old House* magazine, continues to inspire a generation of homeowners to approach their outdoor spaces with patience, respect, and a commitment to green living. The landscape guru may be gone, but his lessons in creating a beautiful, sustainable yard are truly timeless.

roger cook this old house
roger cook this old house

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