“For the month of October residents don’t have to pay a thing, or dump anything, to collect a load of mulch,” Maitland City Council waste service co-ordinator Elfi Blackburn said.

A surplus in production means council must clear the stock to make room for more.

Ms Blackburn dubbed the month Mulchtober and encouraged residents to make good use of the free mulch.

“The mulch is produced from green waste dropped off by Maitland residents and is very versatile, perfect for your flower beds and around trees,” she said.

“It’s this time of year that people really get back into the garden.”

And the benefits for the ­garden stack up.

A dense layer of mulch keeps roots cool, slows evaporation and increases the drought resistance of gardens.

“A thick layer of mulch could really help people keep their water use down,” Ms Blackburn said.

Mulch can also keep weeds at bay and improve soil health as it breaks down.

Mulchtober Fest starts today and continues for the month at the tip, which is open from 8.15am to 4pm each day including the long weekend.