Question
Hello,

I have a two part question.  My lawn is extremely uneven.  I believe it is because the previous owners cut down 6 pine trees in order to build an above ground pool.  I believe they then just filled in holes instead of leveling out the yard.  I have also dug a couple of holes and found huge roots only inches below the surface.  Would I be better off tilling the entire yard, leveling it off, and seeding; or just add dirt to low lying areas?   2.  What kind of grass works best in shade and high traffic?  

I live in Virginia Beach so I believe I have the same weather/soil that you do.

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Travis:

With the roots of the pines below the surface, I would fill in existing holes and wait for them to rot.  That should take five years or so from the date of cutting.  At that point, I would see if the yard needed leveling.

Virginia Beach is a bit hotter than the Triangle of North Carolina.  If you have fescue, I would plant it in shady areas.  If you have summer grasses, consider centipede for shade.  The summer grasses, Bermuda, St. Augustine and centipede work fine for high traffic areas.  No grass will do well with dog or sports traffic, especially in a small yard.

Best wishes.