Ask This Old House Season 4 Episode 18 Transplanting Spruce Tree; What is It?; Extending a Staircase Handrail

In season 4, episode 18 of Ask This Old House, the team tackles three home improvement projects. The first project involves transplanting a spruce tree in the backyard. Host Kevin O'Connor visits a home where the owners need to move a large spruce tree from one spot to another. He meets with arborist Matt Foti, who explains the proper way to transplant a tree and offers tips on how to ensure the tree's survival. Kevin also learns about the importance of root pruning and how it can help make the transplant process smoother. Together, they work to safely transplant the spruce tree to its new location.

In the second segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey arrives at a house where the owner wants to know what a strange object found in their crawl space is. Richard identifies it as a "dirt pocket," which is a small cavity in the soil that is created when organic material decomposes. He explains that while they are not harmful, they can indicate potential issues with moisture or drainage in the crawl space. Richard provides advice on how to address these issues and prevent future problems.

Finally, general contractor Tom Silva visits a home where the owners want to extend a staircase handrail. Tom demonstrates how to properly measure and attach a new section of handrail to an existing railing. He provides tips on how to ensure a seamless transition between the old and new sections of railing, and explains the importance of using the right screws and hardware. Tom also discusses the benefits of different types of railing material and provides advice on how to properly maintain a wooden railing.

Throughout the episode, the team provides expert advice and practical tips on how to tackle common home improvement projects. From planting trees to solving plumbing mysteries to extending handrails, Ask This Old House offers helpful solutions for homeowners looking to improve their homes.