Roger Cook: This Old House Landscape Expert and Legacy

A Life Dedicated to Landscapes and Community

Roger Cook, born in 1954, was more than just a television personalitymdash;he was a dedicated craftsman whose passion for landscaping and genuine care for his community defined his remarkable life. Growing up in Burlington, Massachusetts, Roger developed an early love for the outdoors and nature that would shape his entire career. While contemplating a path in forestry during his college years, he worked alongside local landscape and tree companies, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. In 1977, Roger earned his Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine, a credential that underscored his commitment to understanding the natural world.

This educational foundation provided Roger with the knowledge and framework necessary to approach landscaping with both artistic vision and scientific understanding. However, it was his work ethic and genuine passion that truly set him apart. From the beginning of his career, Roger embodied a philosophy that would resonate throughout his life: if something is worth doing, it must be done properly, whatever it takes.

The This Old House Journey Begins

Roger’s connection to This Old House began in 1982 during the show’s second season, when he made his first appearance on the groundbreaking series. At that time, Roger was working as the landscape foreman for the Frost and Higgins Company, but his expertise and innovative ideas caught the attention of the show’s producers. He contributed valuable landscaping knowledge to several early projects, including the Bigelow Project and the Woburn House, demonstrating his ability to translate professional landscape design principles for television audiences.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1988 when landscape architect Tom Wirth called with an opportunity that would change everything. The project was the Lexington Bed & Breakfast renovation for Season 10 of This Old House, and Roger was invited to join as the full-time landscape contractor. This transition marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful and beloved partnerships in home improvement television history.

Four Decades of Excellence and Innovation

From 1988 onward, Roger Cook became the backbone of This Old House‘s landscaping efforts. His tenure as a full-time cast member spanned more than three decades, during which he worked on dozens of project houses and provided expert guidance on hundreds of episodes. When Ask This Old House debuted in 2002, Roger was there from the start, bringing his extensive expertise directly to homeowners seeking practical landscaping solutions.

What made Roger’s approach distinctive was his ability to communicate complex landscaping concepts in straightforward, memorable language. He developed what would become his signature catchphrasesdash;pithy reminders that stuck with viewers long after episodes aired. When advising on tree planting, Roger would say: “Plant it high, it won’t die; plant it low, it won’t grow.” For those struggling with clematis on a trellis or other garden challenges, his direct and practical guidance transformed frustration into confidence.

His colleagues frequently recalled one particular phrase that became almost a rallying cry on job sites: “There comes a time on every job where we stop talking and we start working. You ready?” This encapsulated Roger’s no-nonsense philosophy and his ability to move projects forward with purpose and determination.

The Impact on Viewers and Industry

The enthusiasm for Roger among viewers and colleagues was both immediate and sustained. On camera, he was quick and direct with his advice, never condescending or overly technical. He had an remarkable gift for making homeowners feel capable of tackling their own landscape projects, even when those projects were significantly smaller in scale than what he handled on television. This accessibility was revolutionary for the home improvement genremdash;Roger made professional-grade landscaping feel attainable for ordinary homeowners.

His colleagues at This Old House deeply admired not just his technical knowledge but also his character. Executive producer Chris Wolfe reflected: “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.” Tom Pica, co-owner of K&R Landscape, emphasized Roger’s commitment to quality: “Everything I know I learned from Roger. He was one of the greatest people you want to know. He worked hard, and we often worked 10 hours a day, six days a week. He absolutely believed that if you were going to do something, you should do it properly, whatever it took.”

Beyond Television: A Life of Service

While Roger achieved fame through television, his true character revealed itself in his daily life away from cameras. He was the owner of K&R Tree and Landscape Company in Burlington, Massachusetts, where he applied the same principles of excellence that defined his television work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Roger was deeply committed to his family and community, supporting those he loved and contributing to the betterment of his local area.

In his personal time, Roger could almost always be found in his own yard or garden, puttering among plants and contemplating the next landscaping challenge. This genuine passion for outdoor spaces was never an act for televisionmdash;it was simply who Roger was. Viewers appreciated his authenticity because it was genuine. He never pretended to be someone he wasn’t, and this down-to-earth quality made him relatable across generations and demographics.

Professional Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Roger Cook earned recognition not just from viewers but from industry peers and the broader home improvement community. His work on This Old House and Ask This Old House spanned nearly 40 years, from his first involvement in the show’s second season in 1982 through his continued contributions for decades. As a landscape contractor for more than 35 years on the Emmy Award-winning series, Roger provided expert advice learned over a lifetime of dedicated work in the landscaping industry.

His contributions extended beyond project houses to include hundreds of appearances on Ask This Old House and numerous articles in This Old House magazine, each one reflecting his commitment to sharing practical knowledge with homeowners nationwide.

Health Challenges and a Graceful Transition

In 2018, Roger made the difficult decision to share with the This Old House community that he was considering stepping down because of health issues. His public statement reflected the same thoughtfulness and gratitude that characterized his entire career: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for landscaping. And my life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I have formed over the years. I truly appreciate our fans’ dedication and the concern for my well-being. Rest assured that I am in good hands, and please know that I am grateful for all of your support.”

By January 2020, Roger officially stepped away from his role at This Old House, concluding an era but not diminishing the impact he had created. Though his active presence on the show ended, his legacy remained woven into the fabric of the program and into the memories of millions of viewers.

The Final Chapter

Roger Cook passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 70 following an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook, who passed away on December 1, 2010. Though Roger’s physical presence is gone, his influence endures through the gardens he helped design, the homeowners he inspired, and the countless hours of television that continue to reach new audiences.

The loss was deeply felt by the This Old House community and beyond. Roger had been more than a cast membermdash;he was a treasured colleague, admired for his soft-spoken but no-nonsense approach to every aspect of landscape contracting, always there with the answers people needed.

Why Roger Cook Mattered

Roger Cook’s significance extended far beyond his television credits. He represented a particular quality increasingly rare in modern mediamdash;genuine expertise delivered with humility and accessibility. In an era of superficial advice and quick fixes, Roger insisted on proper methods and thoughtful execution. He understood that landscaping wasn’t merely aestheticmdash;it was about creating functional, sustainable outdoor spaces that would serve homeowners and their families for years to come.

His mentorship shaped the careers of countless professionals in the landscaping industry. His wisdom shaped the gardens of millions of homeowners. And his charactermdash;his authenticity, work ethic, and generosity of spiritmdash;shaped the culture of This Old House itself, establishing standards of integrity that continue to influence the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long was Roger Cook involved with This Old House?

A: Roger Cook’s involvement with This Old House spanned nearly 40 years, beginning with his first appearance in 1982 during the show’s second season and continuing until he stepped down in January 2020 due to health issues.

Q: When did Roger Cook become a full-time cast member?

A: Roger became a full-time landscape contractor for This Old House in 1988 during the Lexington Bed & Breakfast renovation project for Season 10.

Q: What was Roger Cook’s educational background?

A: Roger Cook earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine in 1977. He also gained practical experience working with local landscape and tree companies during college.

Q: What business did Roger Cook own?

A: Roger was the owner of K&R Tree and Landscape Company in Burlington, Massachusetts, which he operated throughout his career.

Q: What was one of Roger Cook’s famous catchphrases?

A: One of his most famous phrases was “Plant it high, it won’t die; plant it low, it won’t grow,” which he used to advise homeowners on proper tree planting techniques.

Q: Did Roger Cook appear on Ask This Old House?

A: Yes, when Ask This Old House debuted in 2002, Roger was part of the team, providing expert landscape advice directly to homeowners on hundreds of episodes.

Q: When did Roger Cook pass away?

A: Roger Cook passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 70 following an extended illness.

Q: What made Roger Cook stand out as a television personality?

A: Roger stood out because he was authentic, down-to-earth, and never pretended to be someone he wasn’t. He gave practical advice without being condescending, made complex landscaping accessible to ordinary homeowners, and had a genuine passion for his work that viewers could sense.