Q. about runs - options to keep critters out

[AriLovesChickens]

I've been thinking more about this. The area where I want to put the coop is partially under some (very tall) evergreen trees. So I probably can't dig far, and the grass doesn't grow in that area. Maybe I could seed the apron area with some kind of shady ground cover? Dunno. But there won't be grass growing through it.

ETA - Oh, and I don't want to use electric fence, what with my two little kids (and others who come to visit).