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

9 Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Landscape Company

9 Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Landscape Company

You are eager to get your landscape designed and installed in Suburban Chicago. It’s been something you’ve envisioned for quite a long time. And you can’t wait to spend time in your new backyard oasis.

There are quite a few landscape companies out there, so it may feel overwhelming as you start to search for the company that will bring your space to life. The job takes time and research, so you should hire a quality landscape design professional.

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3 Common Paver Patio Problems and Solutions

3 Common Paver Patio Problems and Solutions

A backyard patio is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day.

You might be considering a paver patio to dress up your landscape and create this perfect place for dining outside or sharing a drink with a friend, but you might be worried about some of the problems you’ve heard about.

While you know you want a functional space, you definitely don’t want an outdoor area that will cause problems, hassles, and stress.

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3 Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Chicagoland Landscape

3 Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Chicagoland Landscape

*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.


You want a lovely landscape full of color and texture. Who doesn’t? But what you don’t want is the maintenance -- lots of pruning and TLC. You just don’t have the time.

That’s OK. We don’t judge. You’re busy. But you want a nice landscape, too. That doesn’t sound like too much to ask for as a homeowner in the Greater Chicago area.

Luckily, with low-maintenance landscape plants, you can have your lovely landscape and less maintenance, too.

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Best Illinois Native Plants for Your Suburban Chicago Landscape

Best Illinois Native Plants for Your Suburban Chicago Landscape

There is a growing interest in native plants within the Suburban Chicago landscape.

And for good reason. Native plants can be more drought—and stress-tolerant and require less water. Since they are well-adapted to a local region, they usually thrive better during climate shifts.

Since there are so many great varieties out there, landscaping with native plants in Illinois is becoming easier. There are so many great tree, shrub, grass, flower, and groundcover options available.

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Pergola vs. Pavilion: What’s the Difference & Which is Best For You

Pergola vs. Pavilion: What’s the Difference & Which is Best For You

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors in your suburban Chicago backyard.

The birds are chirping. The scent of a floral shrub wafts by. You relax and enjoy chatting with friends. Stress melts away.

But on days when the sun is beaming, rain is showering, or darkness is falling, it’s a bummer to be trapped inside. Time outside is still necessary and fun; you just need a solution.

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Shorewood, IL Landscape Design Case Study: Creating Two Spaces in One

Shorewood, IL Landscape Design Case Study: Creating Two Spaces in One

When you’re looking to entertain in your backyard, what kind of space are you looking for?

Maybe you’re seeking an intimate space for a quiet dinner for two with ambient light from a nearby fire feature and great trees and plants that provide privacy, as well as great texture and floral scent.

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Are Backyard Fire Pits Safe? 3 Tips for Outdoor Fire Pit Safety

Are Backyard Fire Pits Safe? 3 Tips for Outdoor Fire Pit Safety

A fire pit can do so much to enhance your time outside.

Not only does it extend your enjoyable time by keeping you warm and shedding light on the scene, but the dancing flames and ambient mood a fire pit creates add that extra something special to your outdoor gatherings.

They become the centerpiece for all of the interaction and fun -- whether you’re roasting marshmallows for s’mores or just sitting nearby for the heat.

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Landscape Lighting Installation Costs: Prices to Expect in Chicagoland

Landscape Lighting Installation Costs: Prices to Expect in Chicagoland

Your backyard is your secret escape. It’s your hideaway after a long, busy day.

The last thing you want is to get all cozy out there, grilling dinner or relaxing with refreshments, and just when you’re getting comfortable and relaxing, you have to run back inside because the sun has gone down and cast a permanent shadow on your favorite space.

What’s the key to making your yard more festive and magical at night? Landscaping lighting.

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