What if someone wants tidy, clean and paved, or tidy, clean with lots of interesting shrubs and trees?

Simply a case of no, a lawn it must be?

HOA's and HOA bylaws are normally mandated and created by the bank doing the construction loan. They do this to protect the value of the property while they hold interest in the remaining lots. The mortgage industry also loves this since in the end they may be stuck with a property if there is a default.

HOAs are a fascist alternative to actual community.

> protect the value of the property

... which means "protect interest of neighbors".

People like when their neighbourhood looks nice and is safe from snakes, bugs and mosquitos.