Roger Cook, a renowned garden and landscape contractor, made his mark on the popular PBS home renovation program This Old House from 1988 to 2020. Throughout his tenure, he also made appearances on the associated shows Ask This Old House and Inside This Old House.
In 1977, Cook earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine.
As a certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts, he actively participated in the Massachusetts Arborist Association and held leadership positions, including president of the board of directors of New England Grows and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts.
In 1982, Cook, along with his wife Kathleen, established K & R Tree and Landscape Company, a venture that he continues to own and operate.
Cook’s introduction to This Old House dates back to 1982 when he first appeared on the show. At the time, he worked as a landscape foreman for a private company and contributed his expertise to various This Old House projects, such as the Bigelow Ranch and the Woburn House.
In 1988, Cook’s involvement elevated as he became a full-time cast member, specializing as the show’s esteemed garden and landscape contractor.
Beyond his television appearances, Cook has played an influential role in This Old House’s editorial endeavors.
He serves on the editorial board of This Old House magazine and has contributed to the publication of Complete Landscaping, a collaborative effort between This Old House Books and Sunset Books released in 2004.
In June 2018, Cook made the difficult decision to reduce his involvement in the television programs due to undisclosed health concerns. Despite this, his contributions and expertise continued to be valued by the show and its audience.
Cook resides in Burlington, Massachusetts, alongside his two children. Additionally, he enjoys spending time at his cottage located on Cape Cod, embracing the natural beauty that surrounds him.
On January 7, 2020, during a segment on The Tonight Show, Kevin O’Connor, the host of This Old House, announced Cook’s complete departure from the show. Jenn Nawada, a familiar face who had made multiple guest appearances, was chosen as Cook’s successor, marking a new chapter for the program.
