Here are the photos to help - more can be provided. Lawn Overview 1 - Looking South, dead area at back left, domed area middle right (where greenest) Lawn Overview 2 - Looking Southwest - dead area straight ahead, highest portion is middle right, overall slope away from picture, somewhat right to left. Grass Closeup - I think Bermuda, but no idea what type Dead Area - back left area, overrun with clover weeds Dead Area Closeup - Looking down on dead area Weed 1 - not sure what? Weed 1 Closeup Weed 2 - not sure? Weed 2 Closeup Weed 3 Mushrooms - just sprouted, are they a problem? This post was edited by rsmoore27 on Sun, May 26, 13 at 16:05

No grass will thrive in shade. However, by the looks of your photo, like you have grass that has been established there ... It's just been abused and it's also not quite the spring growth period yet. You could look at options to reduce the shade, eg raising the tree canopy a little bit to increase the sunlight (and air flow.). But I'm willing to bet your real enemy is soil compaction + turf stress both caused by the lacrosse abuse. Rye grass loves sun. It won't thrive in shade but that's ok. Your challenge is getting something to grow there that will prevent it from going completely barren; nothing will thrive with constant abuse. If you cover the area up, you risk "damaging" the soil by blocking sunlight and water. Plus, I would imagine it would be more likely that someone could trip or slip on whatever it is that you are putting down. Another option is to just let it be. In the fall, reseed the area with Turf Type Tall Fescue. That does better in shade than Rye Grass and Bluegrass. Another option is to buy some sod and roll it out after lacrosse is over. You wouldn't want to put sod down while they are practicing because it needs time to settle and dig in to the soil. You also would need to keep off it for a period of time and keep it well watered (and fed) to encourage this. Another option is to just give up on grass there and go a different route, eg groundcover, mulch or gravel. But where's the fun in that? Personally, I would go with my original idea. Regularly throw down Perenniel rye grass during lacrosse practice while separately growing some more desirable turf (eg bluegrass or turf type tall fescue) in some pots to plug in later.

The 1st is most likely Malva neglecta. I would dig it out with a narrow shovel. Could you take a closer pic of the 2nd?

I live in Milwaukee, WI and my lawn is probably 80 or 90 years old. I did more research...and I believe it is some kind of sedge. I bought Sedgehammer and we will see if it eliminates this weed. I will follow up in a few weeks once the Sedgehammer goes to work. Thanks all,