As spring planting season approaches, Aurora is offering free mulch to residents on two upcoming Saturdays.

Mulch is available between 7 a.m. and noon on Saturday and May 16 while supplies last, according to the city’s website. It is available at the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and South Dawson Street.

Residents need to bring their own containers and shovels for mulch, according to the website.

Offering free mulch is one of many measures the city is taking to help residents maintain their yards in water-aware ways. Mulch in gardens helps reduce weeds, control grass, protect soil from erosion, increase soil fertility, improve soil aeration and helps retain soil moisture, the city’s website says.

Aurora also offers free water-wise landscape designs, a grass replacement incentive program, a free water-wise landscaping program for income-qualified residents and free water conservation classes.

The city is currently under a Stage I Water Shortage declaration, which requires residents to limit their outdoor watering and imposes fines on people who water beyond the requirements.