What would you do to this backyard??

[Kyle Godbout]

I’m just reaching out to see what others would do to this small backyard. There is a cement patio. However, the large shade tree has made it nearly impossible to grow any grass in the rest of the backyard. So, I’m left with a muddy mess that no tenant really wants to use. 

How would you change it to make it more useable? I have thought about poring cement, making a 6” or so tall deck, or just using small rocks for the whole thing.