The latter really. Lawns themselves are perfectly fine - if you need some drainage and soil retention assistance. It need not be the crazed monoculture but it c

The latter really. Lawns themselves are perfectly fine - if you need some drainage and soil retention assistance. It need not be the crazed monoculture but it can serve a function if you treat it as such. Going xeroscaped in areas with significant rain is a good way to lose your soil to run-off.