For the love of landscapes

Roger Cook of 'This Old House' gets to the root of how to improve your home's natural exterior

If you feel like you're at the starting gate, itching to improve your home's landscaping this spring, Roger Cook can serve as coach.

Cook, the landscape contractor for "This Old House," the venerable public television program, will appear Feb. 9 at The Old House New House Home Show in St. Charles.

Many homeowners enjoy working on their yards because they know it improves their lifestyles and the value of their houses, said Cook, who has been on the television show for 20 years.

He loves to inspire do-it-yourselfers, tell them about trends and share advice.

Here are a few recommendations he discussed in a recent phone interview.

Lawns

The popularity of sustainable lawns and landscaping is growing.

More homeowners want to help the planet by using fewer chemicals and less water. They also want to spend less time working in the yard.

Options include replacing some turf grass with more maintenance-free materials and adopting organic lawn care.

With organic care, the lawn will not be as attractive for a few years until the soil microorganisms regenerate, Cook said.

Mechanical steps like dethatching and aerating help tremendously, he said.

If dandelions raise their ugly heads, Cook recommends spot treating them with an organic weed killer.

And be sure to put plants where they will be happy. A shade lover needs much more water if it's in the sun.

More lawn

Cook is among those who recommend lawn or turf grass for active sports.

"But your whole yard doesn't have to be lawn," he said. "There are areas where it will not thrive."

So don't plant bluegrass in shady areas. And be sure to prepare the soil properly so roots can grow deep.

Your grass probably needs an inch of water a week, so a few inexpensive rain gauges can help prevent overwatering. Too much water isn't good for the grass, and is wasteful and expensive.

New tools can help with watering.

One shuts off an irrigation system when it rains.

Another involves moisture sensors in the ground that can tie to a home computer and call for water when needed.

Smaller shrubs

Trees planted too near a house can pose problems.

"Lots have gotten smaller and houses bigger," Cook said. "No one wants to be out there pruning two or three times a year."

Even the slower-growing shrubs that are proliferating on the market should be planted so they will always be at least 12 or 18 inches away from the building, he said.

Otherwise, it will be difficult to get behind the shrub to paint or do other work.

Money

When the new home or major remodeling is completed, there often is not enough money remaining to do the desired landscaping project.

While experts recommend spending 10 percent to 15 percent of the cost of the project on landscaping, it doesn't all have to be installed at once, Cook said.

However, it is important to get a professional designer to create a master plan.

"If you just stick things in, three or four years later it doesn't look right," he said.

Landscaping issues include flowering time, color, size, soil and sun exposure, Cook said.

Native plants

Native plants help save water because they have adapted to local conditions, and once they are established are drought resistant, Cook said.

"I think of the natives as the big, strong backbones of the garden that we can decorate around."

He uses rhodendrons and other ornamentals with natives.

"The other trick is to look for natives with interesting characteristics -- color, flower or something about them that adds to the garden."

Why landscaping?

Landscaping is popular because everyone wants to pull up to their house and think the front really looks nice and admire the flower beds and lawn, Cook said.

Families like to have their youngsters playing in their own yards these days, he said. That's why there are so many patios, hot tubs, ball courts and fire pits.

"The family can go out and have fun activities together," Cook said.

When there is a big project, Cook recommends renting equipment like a small earth mover.

"You want to see a lot of progress in a week or two or you will lose interest quickly," he said.

Many people, no matter what their jobs, enjoy the calming relaxation of working in their yards and gardens, said the contractor.

"I'm happiest when I'm out in the mud getting dirty," Cook said.