I was going to say some people would love them trees etc including me . out the back you could have a platform/patio with a rail around it . uplight it and it will look like its floating and add some ferns and shade lovers . put it right in the middle . out the front I would maybe have a stream with cobbles , natural stone in the middle maybe and keep the theme . the solar led`s are great these days as I have some . just a thought .

Dead sand? Could you give a location? Such as a country and or location. This would give good ideas for plantings. NP has some good ideas.

lawn isn't the only answer as ls sais theres other ideas for planting . I got know lawn and glad about that . maybe look on youtube at garden ideas .

Did you mean to include a photo? It would be a help . You sound as though you are in the US- could you put your location on yout profile as it makes a difference to what people may suggest.

good thinking sg .

Photos would be useful - I'm taking a guess you're in the States somewhere because you talk about a front 'yard' rather than garden, so which USDA zone are you in, if you are in the States?

Can't give much of an answer without either pictures or more info, but basically, if you have mature trees keeping a lawn or grass in shade most of the time, your grass certainly won't be at all happy. Equally, deciduous trees drop their leaves, and if these are not swept or collected up from the grass, the grass will suffer. It might be you need to consult an arboriculturalist to see if the tree/s can be pruned back, or whether its time to consider removing one or more.