Kevin Manning

Kevin Manning

Kevin has deep roots in the Chicagoland area, growing up in Plainfield and now residing in Naperville. He holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois and serves on the board for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). Since KD's inception in 1998, Kevin has loved creating outdoor environments to match the lifestyles of thousands of customers. In his spare time, you can find him spending time on the water with his wife, daughter, son, and labradoodle.

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Recent Posts

Waterway Management Basics for Large Commercial Landscapes

Waterway Management Basics for Large Commercial Landscapes

When you have a commercial property with wetland zones and waterways, maintaining these areas can be complicated.

Not only are there an array of rules and regulations that often need to be followed, but you may not be sure of the best way to manage these sites. There are critical factors that must be identified to maintain the property's integrity.

Managing these areas properly is imperative not only to protect your infrastructure but also the functionality and aesthetics of your commercial property.

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Case Study: Effective Grounds Maintenance for Solar Farm Efficiency

Case Study: Effective Grounds Maintenance for Solar Farm Efficiency

When it comes to keeping solar farms efficient and operational, solar farm landscape maintenance is imperative.

When solar farms are not properly maintained, they can have negative consequences. Some of the most significant issues are dust mitigation and overgrowth of vegetation. Vegetation around solar farms, including the turf, can grow fast.

And when there is overgrowth, there are problems.

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7 Solutions for the Most Difficult Parts of Your Commercial Landscape

7 Solutions for the Most Difficult Parts of Your Commercial Landscape

While it’d be nice if all areas of a commercial property were ideally suited to landscaping, that’s not the case.

Slopes and shaded areas are two of the biggest trouble areas, and they can be particularly challenging when it comes to finding landscaping options for them.

Fortunately, landscaping difficult areas takes some innovation and forward thinking to tackle. The key is to work with a commercial landscape provider that is willing to problem-solve and create a custom solution for your individual needs.

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Case Study: Professional Landscape Maintenance for Cemetery & Memorial Parks in Greater Chicago

Case Study: Professional Landscape Maintenance for Cemetery & Memorial Parks in Greater Chicago

The green spaces in cemeteries and memorial parks are incredibly important, not only for aesthetic value but also because they contribute to the sense of peace, comfort, and respect that people feel when they come to visit a grave, attend a memorial service, or honor someone who has passed.

But ensuring that these green spaces are kept looking their best boils down to choosing the best cemetery grounds maintenance.

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5 Worst Plant Pests That Attack Landscapes in Greater Chicago

5 Worst Plant Pests That Attack Landscapes in Greater Chicago

The trees, shrubs, and plants in your Chicago landscape are a valuable asset. You appreciate them for their aesthetic appeal, shade, privacy screening, and many other benefits.

That’s why pest damage on plants can be so frustrating. Plant pests might be lurking in your landscape without you even realizing it.

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How to Design a Low-Water Commercial Landscape to Withstand Chicago Droughts

How to Design a Low-Water Commercial Landscape to Withstand Chicago Droughts

While we don’t deal with serious issues with drought like some states out west, we still see our fair share of drought conditions here in Chicago.

In general, designing a landscape that can withstand a period of drought is a great way to keep your property relatively low-maintenance.

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8 Questions to Ask Before Signing A Commercial Landscaping Contract

8 Questions to Ask Before Signing A Commercial Landscaping Contract

Are you thinking about hiring a commercial landscape maintenance company? Asking the right questions during your initial commercial landscaping consultation can help ensure that you’re making a wise choice and that you fully understand what you’re getting for your investment.

But if you’ve never hired a commercial landscaper before, you may have no clue what you should be asking about.

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What to Do If You Need to Hire a New Commercial Landscaper Mid-Season

What to Do If You Need to Hire a New Commercial Landscaper Mid-Season

If you go through the process of hiring a commercial landscaper, you expect to be satisfied with the results. As a property manager, you probably already have a lot on your plate and babysitting your commercial landscaping maintenance firm is not something you want to be responsible for.

But can you even hire a new company mid-season?

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