So even if I trim them way back to allow sunlight back there, the roots are still going to be hindering the grass growing... That could be why there isn't any back there now except for a few patches....

yep, the tree roots are taking away water and nutrients that the turf is trying to acquire also. Trees need way more water and nutrients then turf does, so its always sucking them up. So now the amount of water and nutrients are limited, which is why you only see patches of turf. I dont want you to think you won't have any grass growing, you deff will get grass to grow back their assuming you dont have all shade. Im just saying a thick green mat of grass may not be possible with the amount of trees that you are describing. You could also try doing root prunning of trees, just a thought.

 

Well i'm not looking for the most beautiful lawn, just something other than dirt, and when it rains mud.... Cutting down the trees, well the main one back there is out of the question. It's a very very large tree that would cost a lot of $$ to take down. There are a bunch of other trees in neighbors yards that contribute to the lack of sunlight too but there isn't much I can do about them....

 

Ok, so how about this.. I mix all of these together: turf type tall fescue for good wear & tear resistance, fine fescue and rye for repairability & creeping into bare spots, a seed that does excellent n shade. Mix them real good put a bunch of it down fertilize and water the crap outta it. Shouldn't that cover all my bases??

 

Put about 4" of mulch or stone in one area in the back yeard. Train the dogs to do their business there and there only. 3 dogs is alot of pee and poop, will kill a good section of the lawn. This way it's all in one spot and won;t kill the grass.

As far as durable turf grasses, I love Turf Type Tall Fescue. Once it gets established, you can abuse it.

 

Ok, so how about this.. I mix all of these together: turf type tall fescue for good wear & tear resistance, fine fescue and rye for repairability & creeping into bare spots, a seed that does excellent n shade. Mix them real good put a bunch of it down fertilize and water the crap outta it. Shouldn't that cover all my bases??

As the previous poster said( and I did a while ago),if you have ever had 3 dogs and tried to grow a lawn it is damn near impossible unless you have a huge backyard.

With seed,I'm telling you it is going to be almost impossible with the dogs out there very day running around and tearing sh!t up.Hopefully none of them are "diggers", then you are really going to have an uphill battle.

I totally sympathize with you about the mud situation,been there many times with dogs I have had (never 3 but 2). But if you try to seed you have to understand the grass isnt going to come in full and lush overnight.It takes time...a LONG time to get it anywhere close to what sod comes in as right off the truck.The mud situation will be there for a long while if you go that route.

You put sod down and your mud problems are solved......almost instantly.You put the sod down and you will never seed dirt again,if you get it from a good place it will be as thick as carpet.

I am normally an advocate of sod as long as the area isnt too big,and in your situation I know it will cost more but the time, money, and effort it takes to get(and keep) seed going in your situation is going to be more than you are bargaining for.

Its just the reality of the situation with 3 dogs,hell with even one or two it would be tough but 3??

 

Ok, so how about this.. I mix all of these together: turf type tall fescue for good wear & tear resistance, fine fescue and rye for repairability & creeping into bare spots, a seed that does excellent n shade. Mix them real good put a bunch of it down fertilize and water the crap outta it. Shouldn't that cover all my bases??

rye grass has the best wear tolerence of all the grasses, then comes fescue. Rye grass also doesnt creep, its a bunch type grass.