lawns have always been elitist “look at how much land i have to waste on useless grass, you peasants” bullshit
and yes, HOAs are bullshit too, and to the “i don’t have a choice” people, if you’re not actively taking steps to change your situation to a no-HOA one, then you’re literally making the choice to continue to deal with it
may have been, but nowadays it’s just something you need, if you don’t want the kids ploughing through your pumpkins, trampling the strawberries and don’t want them playing on the street either. it’s not like you can’t do anything on the lawn.
I’m a big “fuck lawns” person, but I still have a small patch of grass* for playing, lounging, and other “foot traffic” activities. However it’s no larger than I need it to be, and the rest of my yard is covered in native/pollinator/volunteer plants or vegetable garden.
I don’t blame people for having a grass lawn to play on, but front lawns? Side walkways? Little strips next to the street, fence, or driveway? Funny corner spot that’s three square feet? No one is playing catch or sunbathing or otherwise utilizing the grass in these spaces.
*It’s not even 100% grass, as there’s a lot of clover, self-heal, moss, and other “weeds” interspersed. As long as it wouldn’t hurt to step on barefoot, I leave it be.
