Where are you located? What to use and when is highly dependent on location.

btw, no grass grows well in the heavy shade of a large tree. You might want to consider a more shade tolerant groundcover in those locations.

Thanks I’m NY

Any suggestions on shade tolerant ground covers ?

Lots - pachysandra, ajuga, vinca, sweet woodruff, lamium, epimedium, English ivy, liriope. Check to see what's available in your area and not considered invasive.

You could even go with taller shade perennials - hosta, ferns, Geranium macrorrhizum, etc.

One of my favorite groundcovers IS actually a fern - Adiantum venustum or Himalayan maidenhair fern. Needs even moisture and spreads a bit slowly but is low growing and evergreen! Hardy to zone 5.

Thanks !