Question
We have a few old trees in our yard and there is no grass growing there.  Can you give us advise about what to do about these bare dirt sections?

Answer
My friend, grass is never going to thrive in the soil under those wonderful old trees.  Light shade is not a problem -- in the areas of "light shade" (and do not be too liberal about this term) you can refer to online retailer Gardens Alive (www.gardensalive.com), which sells a proprietary shade mix that will grow beautiful grass -- IF you have enough sun in that "light shade".

Gardens Alive is also a good source for family-friendly weedkillers and fertilizers.  The products they sell are organic, reliable and first rate.  And if later you need beneficial insects, you can maintain a complete but simple, successful Integrated Pest Management program with choices from Gardens Alive.

For the deeper shade, seriously consider ground covers instead of grass.  Where I live -- the North Shore of Long Island -- luxury Gold Coast homes overlooking steep, shaded hills covered with striking non-grass alternatives.

For groundcovers, I have ordered landscape plants for years from Bluestone Perennials (www.bluestoneperennials.com), an Ohio based nursery.  They grow their own stock and are reliable and back their merchandise with a full guarantee.
Some of my personal shade-loving favorites: Asperula odorata ("Sweet Woodruff"), known for its strong spring fragrance, and Lamium White Nancy, a groundcover which I sadly confess I have never been successful with that I first saw at the New York Botanical Garden.  Some people like a perennial called Ajuga.  There are lots of options.

Ferns, Pachysandra and Ivy are virtually foolproof.  Ivy can become unbearably invasive and refuses to leave once anchored, so if you do plant Ivy, don't let it get out of control.  Check your local Cooperative Extension Service for some illustrated groundcover options.  Buying at a local nursery is easy and fast, but you will have more options if you order online.  You will need to fortify your sandy soil to grow most plants and, as with grass, you will need to water generously.  May I recommend a tree-swing and some birdbaths and birdfeeders -- perhaps a local architect is good with tree houses?

Sorry not to be more optimistic about this matter but we have to be realistic -- sun does not equal shade.  After the trees leaf out this spring, go out and survey those bare dirt sections and imagine how much prettier they will be with groundcovers.  Grass needs some basic sun to grow.  This is not negotiable.

Let me know if you have any other questions.