Buying your first home is exciting… and a little blinding. Realtors point to the shiny kitchen and fresh paint — but the big money problems are often hiding outside the four walls.

In this episode, Coach Matt shares what first-time (and even 10th-time) buyers need to look for in the landscape before they sign on the dotted line:

🔍 What to inspect outside the house that most home inspectors skip 💧 Irrigation systems – signs of old, neglected, or expensive-to-fix setups 🌧 Drainage, grade & slope – how water can quietly destroy foundations ⚡ Outdoor electrical – the “DIY specials” that can be dangerous and costly 🌳 Greenscape health & placement – trees, roots, and plants that spell trouble 🧱 Hardscape issues – cracked driveways, patios, and what’s really causing them 💵 And a real-talk warning about debt, priorities, and not letting the house (or yard) own you

If you’re a first-time homebuyer — or helping someone who is — this episode will help you avoid expensive surprises and walk into homeownership with eyes wide open.

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🧠 Want help planning a smarter DIY landscape after you buy? Head over to YourYardCoach.com for tools that simplify the process:

📘 Landscaping Simplified eBook https://www.youryardcoach.com/landscapingsimplifiedebook

🎓 Homescape 2.0 DIY Landscaping Course for Homeowners https://www.youryardcoach.com/diy-landscape-course

📝 15-Step DIY Landscaping Project Checklist https://www.youryardcoach.com/15-step-diy-landscaping-project-checklist

📋 Seasonal Landscaping Checklist https://www.youryardcoach.com/seasonal-landscaping-checklist

📹 1-on-1 Video Consultations with Coach Matt https://www.youryardcoach.com/yard-coach-consultation

🏡 On-Site Landscape Consulting and More https://www.youryardcoach.com/on-site-landscaping-consulting

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🎥 Prefer to watch instead of just listen? Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/4wbzuNHvU7Y

To your landscape — and homebuying — success.

Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/oc9PVXy5gBQ

As we age, our yards should serve us—not the other way around. Coach Matt breaks down three senior-friendly paths:

1. expanding for joy and purpose,

2. simplifying for low-maintenance living (and travel), and

3. adapting for comfort, safety, and mobility (wider walks, ramps, raised beds, drip).

Real stories, practical upgrades, and tough-love advice on what’s worth your time, money, and energy—plus a look at Zone-4 realities, irrigation options, storage, RV parking, and when to hire help. If you or a loved one is 55+, this episode gives you a blueprint to keep the outdoors enjoyable for decades.

Resources mentioned:

• 15-Step DIY Landscaping Checklist: https://www.youryardcoach.com/15-step-diy-landscaping-project-checklist

• Landscaping Simplified eBook: https://www.youryardcoach.com/landscapingsimplifiedebook

• Homescape 2.0 – DIY Landscaping Course: https://www.youryardcoach.com/diy-landscape-course

• 1-on-1 Consultations & Designs: https://www.youryardcoach.com/yard-coach-consultation

More at https://www.youryardcoach.com

Contact: youryardcoach@gmail.com

#DIYLandscaping #YardCoach #SeniorLiving #AgingInPlace #LandscapeDesign

In this episode, Coach Matt takes a reflective look at the 2025 landscape season — what went right, what got delayed, and how life’s curveballs (like equipment breakdowns and tight weather windows) reshaped the year’s plans. From building bridges and garden boxes to battling cattails and gravel drives, he shares the lessons learned and how reflection fuels next year’s goals.

This episode isn’t just about projects — it’s about momentum, priorities, and pride in doing things yourself. Whether you’re wrapping up your own DIY season or dreaming about next year’s plans, this one’s packed with motivation to keep your landscape — and your mindset — moving forward.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• The importance of looking back before planning ahead

• How to set realistic project goals (and avoid burnout)

• Lessons learned from DIY bridge and garden builds

• Winter prep tips for northern homeowners

• What’s on deck for 2026

💡 Visit: www.youryardcoach.com

📧 Email Coach Matt: youryardcoach@gmail.com

📘 Resources Mentioned: Landscaping Simplified eBook, Homescape 2.0 Digital Course, and the 15-Step DIY Landscaping Checklist

As always — to your landscape success!

Let’s Focus on Fall – Keep Your Eye on the Ball

The seasons are fighting for control — one day frost, the next day 80° — and your landscape is stuck in the middle. In this episode, Coach Matt talks about how to stay grounded and keep your focus through the seasonal chaos.

You’ll learn: • How to protect your plants from wild temperature swings • Why turf care still matters this time of year • How to prep your irrigation and lighting before the freeze • Why small, regular maintenance tasks keep “landscape demons” away

🧠 Bonus Tip: Don’t head into fall blind — grab the Seasonal Landscaping Checklist from the Yard Coach website. It’s a simple, powerful guide to help DIYers like you stay ahead of what your yard really needs this season.

📋 Download it here: https://www.youryardcoach.com/seasonal-landscaping-checklist

🎧 Listen now and finish the season strong!

🌿 Visit: www.youryardcoach.com 📘 Resources & Courses: Homescape 2.0, Landscaping Simplified eBook, DIY checklists & more 📺 Watch the YouTube Channel: Yard Coach YouTube 💬 Join the Facebook Community: Yard Coach DIY Landscape Education

#yardcoach #falllandscaping #diylandscaping #landscapemaintenance #landscapingchecklist #homescape #landscapingtips #gardeningpodcast #landscapeeducation

This week, I’m not teaching — I’m telling the story behind how I built a 20-foot bridge and a deck here at Brook & Pond. No blueprint. No step-by-step plan. Just real-life landscaping and problem solving.

🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jfdeWhtClmY

#yardcoach #landscapingstory #bridgebuild #deckproject #lowespartner #affiliatelink

Outdoor Living isn’t just about patios and kitchens—it’s about creating an atmosphere you’ll never want to leave. In this week’s episode of the Yard Coach Podcast, Coach Matt dives into Part 2 of the Outdoor Living Series:

• 💧 Water features that transform your yard into a peaceful retreat

• 🔥 Fire pits that bring people together and spark unforgettable moments

• 💡 Lighting that adds safety, beauty, and ambiance

• 🎭 Whimsy that gives your yard its own personality

Whether you’re dreaming of a pondless waterfall, a DIY fire pit, or just the right touch of outdoor lighting, these elements are the “cherry on top” that take your landscape from good to jaw-dropping.

👉 Missed Part 1? Watch it here: Outdoor Living Series Part 1 – Outdoor Kitchens & Structures

🌱 Ready to plan your own dream yard? Visit www.YourYardCoach.com for free resources, digital courses, and 1-on-1 coaching to help you design and build the landscape you’ve always wanted.

As always—here’s to your landscape success!

#yardcoach #diylandscaping #outdoorliving #landscapedesign #waterfeatures #firepits #landscapelighting #backyardideas #landscapetips #gardendesign

Welcome to Part 1 of our Outdoor Living Series!

This week, Coach Matt dives into outdoor kitchens and structures that transform a yard from “just a landscape” into a true extension of your home. From gas, water, and drainage infrastructure to pergolas, she-sheds, and patio enclosures—discover how to take your DIY landscape to the next level.

These aren’t just add-ons; they’re lifestyle upgrades that boost comfort, socializing, and pride of ownership. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or thinking about hiring help, this episode will give you ideas and a roadmap for your next project.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2 where we’ll cover water and lighting features.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Spotix Kick Ass Grills and Napoleon Grills.

🔥 Check Out Our Sponsors:

• Spotix → https://www.spotix.com

• Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill (Official Page) → Napoleon Website Product Page

• Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill (Kickass Grills) → Kickass Grills Product Page

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yardcoach

Explore Yard Coach resources:

• 🌱 Free DIY Kickstart Checklist → youryardcoach.com/kickstart

• 📘 Landscaping Simplified eBook → youryardcoach.com/ebook

• 💻 Homescape 2.0 Course → youryardcoach.com/homescape

• 🎯 1-on-1 Coaching → youryardcoach.com/yard-coach-consultation

🔥 Thanks to our sponsors: Spotix, Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill (Napoleon Website), and Kickass Grills.

#yardcoach #outdoorliving #outdoorkitchen #landscapedesign #DIYlandscaping #homescapecourse #pergolaideas #sheShed #backyardgoals #NapoleonGrills #KickassGrills #Spotix #grillingseason

Do you need years of experience to design your dream yard? In this episode, Coach Matt busts that myth and shows you how to create a beautiful landscape with passion, perseverance, and a few simple tools. Learn the three essentials to know before you start (your climate zone, budget, and skill level), how to sketch your space accurately, why visiting local nurseries can spark ideas, and how to plan projects months in advance without getting overwhelmed. Whether you’re tackling a patio, lawn, or full‑yard makeover, this episode gives you the roadmap.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Noevsbig. Check out their magnifying desk lamp here: https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-3-Section-Magnifier-Reading-Soldering/dp/B0C6D9MS7Z and visit their store at https://www.amazon.com/noevsbig – it’s a great tool for reading fine print and working on detailed projects.

🎥 Prefer to watch? The video version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2YCZu4FR5pw

Resources & Links:

• Free DIY Kickstart Checklist: https://www.youryardcoach.com/kickstart

• Homescape 2.0 Course: https://www.youryardcoach.com/homescape

• Landscape coaching & custom designs: https://www.youryardcoach.com/landscape-coaching

Thanks for listening, and happy landscaping!