I do not cut my iris fans. I think that became a fad in the 50's and has no merit except to make the bed look nicer if your leaves have brown tips.
As for fallen tree leaves, I do not live in a really cold zone, 7a, so I try and get them moved before winter really sets in. In some years I have not been able to get them moved or only some moved and it is a chore to move them in the spring if they have gotten wet and are layered heavily. I did not notice a difference in the iris growth or bloom if the irises either way.
If anyone thinks I do not know what I am talking about..... just read the signature below my post.
