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

DIY Outdoor Fireplace Kit vs. Professional Installation in Greater Chicago

DIY Outdoor Fireplace Kit vs. Professional Installation in Greater Chicago

Nothing creates a more striking and stunning focal point in your Greater Chicago backyard than an outdoor fireplace.

Whether it’s the warmth and ambiance from the flickering flames or the gathering place it creates for conversation and hanging out with family and friends, you can’t deny the boost this type of feature provides in your space.

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Paver Patterns For Patios and Walkways: How to Choose

Paver Patterns For Patios and Walkways: How to Choose

Your patio is always there for you to enjoy—whether it’s a quiet moment while having your coffee in the morning, grilling something delicious for dinner so you can dine al fresco, or prepping for a fun night with friends playing games and catching up.

While you may know you want a patio to enjoy these spring, summer, and fall moments, you may not be sure exactly what you want your patio to look like. And maybe you don’t want it to be like everyone else’s in your Chicagoland neighborhood.

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How to Choose The Right Plants for Landscaping in Illinois

How to Choose The Right Plants for Landscaping in Illinois

Whether you have a small space, a large entryway, a grand patio and outdoor living area, or just a space that needs sprucing up, plants can make a world of difference, adding pops of color, unique texture, and interesting elements to your Chicagoland landscape.

But there are so many options out there, which makes choosing the best plants for your space overwhelming. You certainly don’t want to install plants that don’t do well in your space or are the wrong fit for your goals and vision.

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Best Container Garden Plants for Sun and Shade

Best Container Garden Plants for Sun and Shade

*While this article offers helpful landscaping tips for residential properties, we now specialize exclusively in commercial landscaping services. If you manage a commercial property or HOA, see how we can enhance your landscape here.


Containers are a great addition to any Greater Chicago landscape.

They can add unique shape, color, texture, and interest to your space. They can also be switched up by season or for variety, based on your needs.

You can also move containers to suit your purpose or refocus decorative elements in outdoor entertainment areas.

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Outdoor TV Setup Design: 5 Tips to Installing an Outdoor TV

Outdoor TV Setup Design: 5 Tips to Installing an Outdoor TV

It’s easy to picture yourself enjoying a beautiful Chicago day in your backyard. There’s probably a refreshing breeze and bright, blue skies. What could make this day even better? Being able to watch your favorite TV show, movie, or sports team on the big screen while you relax in this idyllic setting.

How can you make this happen? By installing an outdoor TV. Today, there are a wide selection of outdoor TVs designed to withstand the elements. You might be craving a smaller TV for your patio or a larger one near your pool or outdoor kitchen area. Mounting options today make all of these locations possible.

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4 Landscape Lighting Ideas For the Front of Your House

4 Landscape Lighting Ideas For the Front of Your House

*While this article offers helpful landscaping tips for residential properties, we now specialize exclusively in commercial landscaping services. If you manage a commercial property or HOA, see how we can enhance your landscape here.


When you approach your house after being gone for the day, you want to come home to a vision. You want to be proud of your landscape and your home’s facade.

When other people pass your home, you want your curb appeal to give your house a chance to shine in your Suburban Chicago neighborhood.

No matter whether it’s night or day, you want a landscape that looks good. And that’s where landscape lighting can take your frontage from plain to powerful with the right design scheme.

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4 Simple Landscaping Ideas to Help Sell Your Home in Chicagoland

4 Simple Landscaping Ideas to Help Sell Your Home in Chicagoland

You want to make some simple, sweet improvements to spice up your home landscape. The bonus: You want these upgrades to help you put your home’s best face forward so you can sell your home for the best price.

The front yard landscaping may be the first thing potential buyers see, so you know you want to focus on some areas there. But the backyard is important, too.

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Cost of Building an Outdoor Kitchen: What to Expect in Greater Chicago

Cost of Building an Outdoor Kitchen: What to Expect in Greater Chicago

Do you like cooking and enjoying meals outdoors? Do you love inviting family and friends over to your home for entertainment and to dine at Al Fresco?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might consider building an outdoor kitchen as part of your overall outdoor living plans. It's certainly a great idea.

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Common Landscaping Challenges in Chicago Suburbs

Common Landscaping Challenges in Chicago Suburbs

Your landscape is a growing, changing entity.

And that’s what makes your Greater Chicago backyard glorious to spend time in. There’s always something blooming or erupting with new color and life.

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How to Care for a Bluestone Patio: 4 Bluestone Patio Maintenance Tips

How to Care for a Bluestone Patio: 4 Bluestone Patio Maintenance Tips

You might have a bluestone patio in your Greater Chicago home landscape, and you probably love it as much as we do.

Bluestone makes an impactful statement in your yard, bringing a classic and timeless look with colors that go from beige and gray to blue and lavender and even have bits of plums, ocres, and rusts. The product makes for a stunning patio.

As you enjoy your patio, you are probably looking to embrace some downtime and detox from the stress of a busy day. There’s no better place to relieve anxiety and unwind, after all.

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