I'm inclined to think kbg isn't for you, and the tree will be competition for any groundcover really. There doesn't appear to be raised roots, so that's in your favor. I think you'd be better off with a tall fescue. KBG just isn't a shade species. The Magnificent 3 will tolerate light or filtered shade, but not a tree like that I don't expect, and I can't really say it's an area you want to transition from kbg to fescue. Start a new post addressed to A.J. for tall fescue recommendation. He's shown us great varieties that rival kbg in appearance. Show him your picture(s) and ask what he thinks would be best for you. Other than that, the only thing I can think is to surround the tree with a shade garden. No big deal really. You'll just have less lawn area, but at least you will be able to plant the kbg you want, while the tree will be surrounded by groundcovers that are more likely to tolerate it. Some of them are attractive and colorful. Let me know what you decide. Whatever grass you plant, mow it higher in the shade - one half to an inch higher, and give it less nitrogen than you provide to the rest of the lawn. That is based on recommended rates for your grass type. You're going to want to overseed on a regular basis because like I said, the tree is going to compete for moisture and nutrients. The thing is, the tree will always win.

scott: I'm not sure where in MD you are, but I'll give you my experience w/ Zoysia here in N. Va. I had it in the backyard of my old townhouse, so it was a small area. I installed it using plugs. It was a fantastic grass, but was totally brown from early November through most of April. If you don't mind that, it would be a great turf. It's low maintenance, drought resistant and fills in resonably well.

Ooooooooooooooo! Look how our little girl has grown! LOVE the photo of her running and her ears out like Daddy's airplane (used to be). Smooches from Camp Nappy to Roscoe! Oh No! R.I.P. Ultralight! Glad you were able to bring DH back to Earth safely!!! Was the ultralight sold for ~scrap~ or will someone be able to resurrect him once again? I'm afraid to ask ... but must! What new adventure / project does DH have in store next?

Great pics! I really like seeing comparison pics. Looks like things grew very well in your yard this past year! I always try to get the window seat on the airplane for a reason! The view from an airplane is always amazing (even at night when you get to see all the city lights!) The thunderhead in NC looks like something you would see in June, not March! I really like that sunset pic in TX! Your sago definitely might have some life in it! I wouldnt dig it up just yet! My sago is long gone (it was potted so it didnt stand a chance), but my Dioon Edule in the ground still looks good. The frond is still mostly green (frond is singular since it only has 1 so far!). Its very slow to flush and didn't make a single flush in the 1 1/2 years that I have had it for, so I guess maybe it will this summer! Thanks for sharing! And definitely find a protected spot for that spanish moss for now. I lost about 75% of my moss to birds 2 years ago, but they didnt bother with it after the nesting season was over. -Alex