Landscape Design & Installation Advice | KD Landscape

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

5 Landscaping Ideas for a More Relaxing Backyard and Patio

by Kevin Manning

*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.

Life can get stressful. You know it. We know it.

Whether it’s pressure, work, deadlines, family commitments, or lack of time available to get to the tasks you enjoy, you could probably use a little relaxation.

Lucky for you, nature has the answer. It can lower blood pressure and stress levels, enhance your immune system function, increase your self esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood. Nature’s calming effect can even reduce headaches and help you think more clearly.

But you can’t always go to a park or natural area for escape. Sometimes don’t you wish you can just walk out your back door and find that healing and soothing outdoor element?

Uplighting vs. Downlighting: How to Choose Your Landscape Lighting

by Kevin Manning

Landscape lighting can be tricky. You see great illumination on your home or a tree, creating beautiful glows, warming ambiance, and a great mix of brightness and shadows.

But with professionally designed landscape lighting, you may not know where the light comes from … and that’s a good thing. You want to see the light in a well-designed lighting scheme, not the fixtures.

3 Landscape Design Tips for New Homeowners in Chicagoland

by Kevin Manning

You’ve walked through dozens of homes and finally found the house of your dreams. You signed all the paperwork, boxed and unboxed all of your belongings, and are finally settling in.

5 Best Evergreen Trees and Shrubs for Your Illinois Landscape

by Kevin Manning

Everyone loves trees and shrubs. They add a lot of variety, height, texture, and color to your landscape.

But when it’s time to plant a tree or shrub, there are so many options out there that it can be tough to choose one. What if you make the wrong decision? What if you don’t like the tree or shrub you choose?

Tips to Choosing Trees to Plant Near Your Patio

by Kevin Manning

A patio is a great place for enjoying the outdoors in your Chicagoland backyard.

Whether you want a place to enjoy summer dinners al fresco, a regular relaxation nook, an outdoor office, or maybe a spot for your family to play games, patios can give you what you need … and then some.

But a patio without plants might be a bit bland. This is your landscape after all. You want to get outside to enjoy nature and find peace, privacy, and tranquility.

4 FAQs About Adding Fire Features to a Landscape

by Kevin Manning

Fire features are amazing ways to add a little ambiance, warmth, and light to your evening landscape.

In fact, they become almost irresistible in the Greater Chicago home landscape where they extend your outdoor enjoyment in numerous ways. The heat they emit makes night parties cozier, the flickering flames create interesting shapes and shadows that make more memorable get-togethers, and that overall elegance they boast gives your yard an elevated appeal.

Landscape Lighting: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro in Naperville or Elmhurst, IL

by Kevin Manning

Google and YouTube can make a lot of things look pretty simple, right?

Take landscape lighting, for instance. If you’ve searched for how to install landscape lighting, you might think it’s a breeze. Pinterest photos and DIY tutorials can make you feel like an expert in minutes.

Landscape Design Checklist: 5 Things to Do When Planning Your Landscape Design

by Kevin Manning

Your backyard is your sanctuary – your solace after a long, hard day. It’s a place where you can unwind and relax.

When you want to elevate your space into more than just a patch of grass and a few flowers and plants, dreaming of your finished landscape becomes all you can think about. You can’t wait to stretch out on your patio in front of your cozy fireplace or grill your next meal in your outdoor kitchen.

5 Backyard Improvements That Will Add Value to Your Home in Chicagoland

by Kevin Manning

When you want to transform a boring backyard into something usable and fun for the whole family, the ideas for what you can add can seem endless.

But as you review them, you might wonder which backyard enhancements are the most beneficial for your property as true investments and also give you spaces you can enjoy.

It's always a plus to know that you can recover some of any expenses you make in your landscape when you sell your home.

5 Tips To Hiring a Landscape Designer Near Elmhurst, IL

by Kevin Manning

Your backyard is a reflection of your style and personality, as well as that of your home.

As you stare at your new construction or outdated Elmhurst, IL home landscape, you could be wondering what kind of landscape design professional might best fit what you want. After all, if you love an English garden or more traditional look, you don’t want someone to push a modern or contemporary feel on your space. You want your designer to understand your viewpoint.

Kevin Manning

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