There are quite a few people claiming the opposite, actually. Large squares of regularly trimmed, flat grass only to show one's decadence isn't exactly the same

There are quite a few people claiming the opposite, actually. Large squares of regularly trimmed, flat grass only to show one's decadence isn't exactly the same as a road used daily. If they were at least used for playing children, that would be one thing, but most front lawns are large spaces not designed for any purpose beyond aesthetics, and many back lawns have similar structures. It is almost devoid of life thanks to the lack of protection from the sun combined with the lack of diversity in vegetation, just so someone can show off their property.