Ep 15. Cherry Blossoms, Mt Rushmore

In episode 15 of season 18 of Ask This Old House, the team travels to Rapid City, South Dakota, to visit Mount Rushmore and discover the history of the iconic American landmark. In addition, they tackle a series of home improvement projects, including repairing a chimney and installing a new garage door opener.

The episode begins with host Kevin O'Connor and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada touring the Japanese Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado. They observe the beautiful cherry blossom trees and discuss the best practices for maintaining them, including pruning in the proper season and making sure they have ample amount of water and sunlight.

Next, Kevin meets with a local historian at Mount Rushmore to learn about the fascinating history behind the monument. They discuss the four presidents featured on the mountain- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln- and how sculptor Gutzon Borglum carefully selected each figure to represent a different aspect of American history.

The team then returns to Rapid City to assist a homeowner with repairing the chimney on her 1960s ranch-style home. Contractor Tom Silva explains the importance of inspecting the chimney for any signs of damage, such as cracks or missing mortar, and demonstrates how to properly remove and replace any damaged bricks.

Later in the episode, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits a homeowner struggling with an outdated garage door opener. Richard explains the different types of garage door openers available on the market, ranging from chain-driven to belt-driven to jackshaft models. He then installs a new belt-driven opener for the homeowner, using a smartphone app to control the door remotely.

To conclude the episode, Kevin meets with professional woodworker Tom McLaughlin at his studio in Canterbury, New Hampshire, to learn about the intricate woodworking techniques behind a stunning cherry blossom cabinet. Tom explains how he carefully selects each piece of wood to create a seamless design, including details such as hidden compartments and a custom-designed lock.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 18 episode 15 offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Mount Rushmore and provides valuable tips for homeowners looking to take on a variety of home improvement projects. From repairing a chimney to installing a new garage door opener, the team offers a wealth of practical advice and expert knowledge.