‘This Old House’ Veteran Landscape Expert Dies at 70

Roger Cook, a beloved landscaper on PBS’s “This Old House,” passed away on Wednesday, August 21, after a prolonged illness. He was 70.

His death was publicly shared on the official website of “This Old House.”

“I remember every lesson from Roger,” said Chris Wolfe, executive producer of “This Old House,” in a heartfelt statement. “More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

Cook’s tenure with the famed home renovation series spans nearly four decades. He made his first appearance during the second season in 1982. By Season 10 in 1988, he had joined the show full-time as the landscape contractor. Additionally, he was a key figure on “Ask This Old House” when it launched in 2002, providing homeowners with expert landscape advice.

Health concerns eventually led Cook to retire in 2020, marking the end of an iconic era for loyal viewers.

“Roger was our much-loved colleague,” the show’s official website tribute reads. “He was treasured by the entire ‘This Old House’ community for his soft-spoken but no-nonsense approach to every aspect of landscape contracting. He was always there with the answers we needed.”

Born in 1954, Cook’s journey began in Burlington, Massachusetts. While studying at the University of Maine, he gained hands-on experience working with local landscapers and tree firms.

With a degree in wildlife management and conservation law, he, along with his wife Kathleen, established K&R Landscape in 1982, a business that remains operational under new ownership.

“Roger’s specialty and passion was plants, and no one was more knowledgeable,” said Fred Pendleton, Cook’s longtime friend and current co-owner of K&R Landscape. “Roger had an encyclopedic knowledge of plants. You could ask him anything — which plants thrive in shade, how to treat diseases, the best perennials or annuals, and even the Latin names for everything — and he’d have the answer.”

Cook’s health issues were first made public in 2018, leading him to contemplate stepping down from his role. At the time, he expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to share his landscaping expertise. “My life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I’ve formed over the years,” he said. “I truly appreciate our fans’ dedication and concern for my well-being. Rest assured, I am in good hands and grateful for all of your support.”

Cook is survived by his son Jason, daughter Molly, brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna, and three grandsons — Peter, Noah, and James. His wife, Kathleen, passed away from cancer in 2010.