WILLISTON PARK, New York − A pristine, evergreen lawn has long been the dream of American suburban homeowners, but in recent years, a new ideal has begun to sprout in yards across the country.

Some call it re-wilding and say it cuts down on water bills, reduces flooding, restores habitats and supports helpful bugs. Others see the lawns as messy, weedy and even illegal.

The issue is coming to a head this summer in a suburb outside New York City, where one science teacher is defending her family’s native plants against an onslaught of criticism from village officials as she awaits her first-ever court appearance September 3.