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

4 Family-Friendly Backyard Design Ideas and Tips

4 Family-Friendly Backyard Design Ideas and Tips

Your backyard is your playland. It’s a place to melt worries and stress away and enjoy summer days and nights.

The possibilities for creating a great space that meets all your entertainment and relaxation needs are endless.

But you have a family, which means you have kids, too. And while you want your backyard to be suitable for the adults, you also don’t want to leave the children out of the equation.

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Outdoor Walkway Design: 4 Factors You Should Consider

Outdoor Walkway Design: 4 Factors You Should Consider

An outdoor walkway can sure add ambiance to your landscape, boosting your curb appeal.

It can make your entrance more inviting, add a gorgeous pathway to a garden, or even a more functional and practical way to get from one area of your backyard to another.

However, envisioning how your outdoor walkway might work or be created to add a beautiful addition to your property can get confusing.

But with proper planning, outdoor walkway design done right can elevate your home landscape and provide a useful addition.

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How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost? 3 Factors To Consider

How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost? 3 Factors To Consider

*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.


Summertime in Greater Chicago means more time spent outdoors.

And though the days are longer, you likely want to linger out there past sunset when the weather brings those warm evenings that you can’t get enough of, staring at the stars and chatting with family and friends.

But it’d be nice if you could have some ambiance, a little light, and maybe even a touch of warmth.

Enter the outdoor fireplace. This landscape element can bring the perfect addition to your backyard, bringing dancing light, a cozy gathering area, and an entertainment nook all at the same time.

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4 Tips to Choosing a Landscape Lighting Company in Naperville, IL

4 Tips to Choosing a Landscape Lighting Company in Naperville, IL

Landscape lighting can certainly elevate your entire landscape as it changes its daytime look into an elegant nighttime one that has unique shadows and dimensions.

And on top of elevating your visual appeal, lighting also extends your hours of enjoyment. What’s not to love about that?

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Brick Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers: What’s Best for Your Patio?

Brick Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers: What’s Best for Your Patio?

After a full day of running around, nothing beats taking a break outside in the backyard, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze. An amazing patio is the perfect place to take deep breaths and relax.

A patio has the perk of also increasing your living space, adding outdoor entertainment possibilities, and being a place for stress relief.

You might want to add a new patio or renovate your current one. As you contemplate your options, you’ll notice a variety of materials available to choose from. You’re probably asking yourself which patio material is the best for you.

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5 Tips to Maintaining Your Container Gardens in Illinois

5 Tips to Maintaining Your Container Gardens in Illinois

Looking for a way to spruce up your patio or front entryway in your Greater Chicago area home landscape?

Container gardens could be just the right additions to bring some pops of color and pizazz to your residence, bumping up your curb appeal and creating great texture and intrigue in your otherwise boring space. You can envision two urns overflowing with contrasting shades, adding depth to your front door, or an array of pots giving your patio a warm, welcoming feeling.

But you can’t have beautiful pots full of blooms without proper container garden maintenance.

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4 Reasons Why Outdoor Lighting Placement Is So Important

4 Reasons Why Outdoor Lighting Placement Is So Important

Extending your time outdoors in your Greater Chicago area home landscape can be done with landscape lighting.

Illuminating your trees, hardscapes, and home with landscape lighting creates a great glow and amazing ambiance. It can give your landscape a whole new look during evening hours.

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