My normal fall routine is to cut to the ground my perennials that look ratty, leaving those that hold well to stand over winter for the birds. Then I mulch with chopped up leaves. I often 'miss' that window (the rains come and soak the leaves making it difficult to pick up with the lawnmower) and am hoping to find an alternate source for raked leaves. One of my brother-in-laws is a yard guy, but he tends to use a lot of chemicals, which gives me pause. I think if I just went for the maple leaves, they would have just sat on the lawns for a short time and who treats maples with anything around here? They grow like weeds. And have good russet color.
