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Water From Page 1 trained your lawn to grow a certain way." For those who don't mind a brown lawn, the grass does not require watering for some time during a dry spell, said Bartel, who noted how adaptable grass can be. "Grass has lived through all of this in the past. It's usually around a 10- to 12-week peri- od it can go without water and be fine," he said. "As soon as rains do come in late sum- mer, it will green up as normal." Bartel said he has seen reports of grass growing roots as deep as 3 feet and cited turf experts who say lawns can go 10 weeks "without a drop of rain." Bartel did stress that homeowners should not mow during drought conditions. "It is the worst thing you can do," he said, noting the many photos he has seen of lawn damage to drought-stricken turf caused by lawn mowers. "There will be stripes in the lawn where the tires went," he said, adding that mowing can resume after some sustained rain and grass growth. Bartel suggested that fertilizing should be on hold until cooler temperatures of late August. Asked whether grass can be killed through overwatering, Bartel said such a scenario is unlikely. "It's tough to over-water lawns," he said. But he added that lots of water can open up lawns to problems like fungal diseases requiring fungicides as treatment. What does need care in the form of water- ing during a dry spell is plants and trees, Bartel said. This is partly due to cost. "Lawns can be top-dressed and seeded if there's damage," he said, noting the expense of trees. In addition, trees and plants store water nutrients for winter food, according to Bar- tel. "They can get damaged in drought years," he said. "If it has no food that winter, you won't see it until the following year." Bartel recommend a pop-up sprinkler or hose under a tree or shrub for a 10- to 20- minute soak once a week. "Just put out a little sprinkler or let the hose trickle out at the base of the tree or shrub. Sit on the patio and have a cocktail. Read your mail or a magazine," he said. Aim for an inch of water per week during a drought, Bartel said. He noted much dryer conditions in south- east Wisconsin during past years, particular- ly 1976, 1988 and 2015. "Those were three really bad years. In 1988, it didn't rain for three months," Bartel said. And some rain is in the forecast. The National Weather Service predicts the Waukesha area will be at "near normal" pre- cipitation levels from June 17 to 23, accord- ing to the website. So overall, Bartel said to not worry about the dry spell. "Forget the grass. The grass will be fine. It will continue to grow," he said. HOME JUNE 2023 2 Distributed by: ©2023 by Conley Media Waukesha County Home is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Home Volume 12 ■ Number 5 ■ June 2023 Photo by Eileen Schmidt Trees and shrubs generally need watering for 10 to 20 minutes once a week in dry conditions, according to Kurt Bartel, chief horticulturalist at David J. Frank Landscaping. "Just put out a little sprinkler or let the hose trickle out at the base of the tree or shrub. Sit on the patio and have a cocktail. Read your mail or a magazine." – Kurt Bartel, Chief horticulturist with David J. Frank Landscaping Clean Energy Career Fair to match job seekers with companies CUSTER — The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is hosting a Clean Energy Career Fair during The 32nd Annual Energy Fair on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, from 5-7 p.m. To address the need for skilled profes- sionals in the renewable energy indus- try, the MREA's Clean Energy Career Fair aims to connect job seekers with companies looking to hire. The Clean Energy Career Fair will take place with- in the fairgrounds in Custer in Portage County. Entrance to the Career Fair is free for all job seekers and potential stu- dents with general admission to The Energy Fair. Prior to the event, the MREA encour- ages job seekers to visit www.mid- westrenew.org/training to explore training resources and prepare for net- working opportunities. Additionally, job seekers can discover year-round job opportunities at www.solarenergy.jobs.