Green thumbs and avid gardeners will be able to access free mulch as part of Armidale Regional Council's water conservation campaign.
The free mulch pick-up will be available to all residents on the weekends of November 18 to 19 and November 25 to 26 at the Council's Waste Management Facility.
"Mulch can reduce evaporation from the soil by up to 70 percent," said Mayor Sam Coupland.
"Mulch is like a blanket on the soil. Not only do mulches conserve water and mean there's less need to irrigate, but they also keep the soil a consistent temperature, reduce weed growth and, over time, improve the soil structure and health of plants.
"Mulch is an essential component of maintaining a water efficient garden. By shading the soil mulches help to conserve soil moisture, reducing the amount you have to water by as much as two-thirds.
"These types of simple changes can make a huge difference to the amount of water a household uses. And in the warmer months it is important that water usage and conserving water is top of our agenda.
"The Armidale region is renowned for its beautiful gardens and the free mulch offering from Council will help residents use water more wisely but still have vibrant, lovely looking gardens.
"Together, we can make a significant difference to our environment implementing as many water saving activities as we can."
The giveaway will be limited to residential users and one ute or trailer load per customer.
The Waste Management Facility will be open Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon - 5pm (no entry after 4.45pm).
