Kyla,
I live in Trinity County.
I don't have a leaf shredder and don't have a lawn mower. I shred my leaves by putting them into a garbage can and using my weed eater ...
I guess you could say it's kind of like putting them into a blender.
Dirt, I wish I could follow your method in this garden, but I have to go out and glean my mulch materials and haul it home.
It's always something.
Smiles,
Lyn