Ask This Old House Season 7 Episode 11 Deck Repair; Hydrangea Bush

In the episode titled "Deck Repair; Hydrangea Bush," the team at Ask This Old House is back with two new projects to help homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces.

First up, host Kevin O'Connor, carpenter Nathan Gilbert, and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey tackle a deck repair project. The homeowner has noticed that the wood on her deck has become warped and rotted over time, and she's worried about safety issues. The team will help her identify the cause of the damage, and then work together to repair and reinforce the deck to make it sturdy and secure again. Along the way, they'll teach viewers some valuable tips and tricks for working with wood, including how to remove damaged boards, how to use a chisel for precise cuts, and how to install new deck boards with hidden fasteners for a clean and polished look.

The second project of the episode focuses on landscaping, as landscape contractor Roger Cook visits a homeowner who wants to revive her hydrangea bush. Roger explains some of the common problems that can affect hydrangeas, including improper pruning and watering, and then shows viewers how to diagnose and treat these issues. With a little bit of TLC, he helps the homeowner to bring her once-struggling hydrangea back to life, and also offers some advice for selecting and planting other types of shrubs and trees to complement the hydrangea and create a cohesive landscaping design.

Throughout the episode, the team at Ask This Old House emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and care for both decks and landscaping. By identifying problems early and taking proactive steps to address them, homeowners can save time, money, and headaches down the line, and enjoy their outdoor spaces to the fullest. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out with home improvement projects, "Deck Repair; Hydrangea Bush" offers plenty of practical advice and helpful insights to help you get the most out of your own backyard oasis.