If a blanket of leaves left on your lawn really gets your goat, avoid burning the fallen offenders, which only adds to air pollution and find an alternative use. Leaves carry 50% to 80% of the nutrients a tree extracts from the soil and air, including carbon, potassium, and phosphorus. Throw your pile on a compost heap where they will biodegrade and enhance your soil for years to come. You can also use the leaves as mulch to spread over your garden. This will limit weed growth, add organic matter and protect the soil (it will also hide your tulip bulbs from those rascal squirrels). Go hunting for the prettiest ones and bring them indoors for kids crafts or to use as decoration. If none of these options appeal; just rake the leaves into a big pile and jump in them – you’re never too old for that.