Creeping red fescue does better in shade than others. Jasper 2 is a variety using less water and fertilizer. You can use it as a ground cover with one or zero seasonal mowing because it grows and falls over to form tufts. Can't post the link.

If that was my dog and yard I wouldn’t spend much time on this project, especially involving mulch and cardboard.

I hate heavy landscape fabric and pea gravel with a passion but this might be one place I would use it. Surrounded by a sturdy border of some kind to corral the gravel inside.

You say nothing will grow there anyway (not surprising - is that a maple tree with surface roots?) and I can just see that large dog racing around while treeing one of those rascally squirrels.

Honestly, that area looks perfect for hosta and other companion plants. It must get sufficent rain since you are apparently having an issue with erosion. I would try again. I might even plant an understory tree there if the area really does have enough moisture. I would head to your local nursery, describe your problems, and get their recommendations for plants. I have a dog (90-lb. lab mix) who chases squirrels, too. My plants do not die, although a few get trampled. I have planted quite a few good-sized shrubs which he goes around rather than over. I am waiting for spring to see if I have lost anything.

Where are you located? Nearest big city. That will make it easier to make recommendations. One thing about grass is that it has shallow roots, so does not protect all that well against erosion.

Very few turf grasses will thrive in much shade. And the shade cast by a large deciduous tree is even more tricky, as the area surrounding it will be very dry from the tree roots sucking up all the moisture. And heavy irrigation of the area to get the grass to survive is generally counterproductive with regards to the health of the tree.

There are numerous plants, including a number of groundcovers, that will actually grow well in dry shade. Geranium macrorrhizum is one, epimediums are another. Would be best to keep the dog off till the plants are established, tho.

Thanks, all. I knew I would find good advice here.

We are located in southcentral PA, about 2 hours west of Philadelphia. There are some larger nurseries just south of us in MD. I will take your recommendations and see what I can find there.

This is the culprit of the deepest shade. Roots are EVERYWHERE, making digging a challenge, hence my idea of mulch. I can/will fence off the area if I try again to plant something. There is a section that I have NO hope of resuscitating where he can chase the squirrels, to no avail. He never learns.

(I mostly added the other photo of the weeping cherry as it is spectacular in the spring, enough for me to forgive its trepidations.)

What a cute pooch!

I think your idea of layering cardboard, compost and mulch is a great way to build healthier soil. The mulch topping will make it look nice until cardboard breaks down. Next year you could plant some shade lovers . Don’t try to amend soil since your “lasagna” method should do a better job of it. I would look into native shrubs, perennials and grasses. Decide how much dog activity you need to allow for in that corner. Could also put a cute potting/gardening shed there if so inclined.

One more thought….you could turn the area into a great fire pit space with the fire circle itself pulled away from the corner enough to not negatively affect the tree branches.