Hello,

It sounds like you’ve encountered a common challenge in lawn care, especially in sandy soil and shade areas. While it’s possible that wildlife could be affecting the grass, the issue might also be related to the growing conditions. Here are a few factors to consider:

Shade: Grass needs a certain amount of sunlight to thrive. If the area is mostly in shade, this could inhibit the growth of the new grass. Having at least four hours of sunlight daily is recommended for grass to grow well. More information at this link:

Selecting and Managing Lawn Grasses for Shade | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

Soil Conditions: Sandy soil tends to drain quickly and may not retain enough moisture for the grassroots. Adding organic matter can improve moisture retention and provide nutrients. More information at this link:

Establishing a New Lawn Using Seed - MSU Extension

Competition: Trees and shrubs nearby could compete with the grass for nutrients and water, especially in shaded areas where their roots are more likely to extend. More information at this link:

Selecting and Managing Lawn Grasses for Shade | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

Watering: Newly seeded areas require consistent moisture to establish. If the watering wasn’t sufficient after seeding, the grass might not have developed a strong root system. More information at this link:

Establishing a New Lawn Using Seed - MSU Extension

Season: The best time for seeding lawns in Michigan is August 15 to September 15 due to the ideal warm days and cool nights for seed germination. More information at this link:

Establishing a New Lawn Using Seed - MSU Extension

Soil Erosion: In shaded areas under trees, soil erosion can expose surface roots, harming grass growth. Covering these roots with a mix of topsoil and organic matter can help. More information at this link:

Selecting and Managing Lawn Grasses for Shade | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

To address the issue, you might consider:

Selecting shade-tolerant grass species.

Increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil.

Adjust your watering schedule to ensure adequate moisture.

Pruning nearby trees to increase sunlight exposure.

I hope this helps!