Having well maintained lawns was a symbol of richness. A lawn next to your house meant that you were rich enough to maintain something that didn't produce any food

[bakshi]

Closely shorn grass lawns first emerged in 17th century England at the homes of large, wealthy landowners.

[darwinsfinches]

and now they just waste water

[harry]

Well, don’t well-maintained lawsn give out the same vibe even today? I mean, if you see a very nice lawn, don’t you think “the owner of this house must be rich”?

[tminus]

Things that don’t produce any fruit - what a practical way to live!