We used to mulch some of them with the mower, but with 5 old oaks (not to mention the neighbours' trees) on less than 1/2 acre, we had more leaves than the mower could cope with.

so we had one of these....

DIY compost bin

Add egg shells, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peelings... great stuff for the vegetable plot.

Love the suburban cycle of life story Kat...