Doing lots of leaf removal has brought upon a strange pity for these trees. Lets think of the leaves on a tree as hairs on a human head. We could say that autumn is the time a tree gets a haircut. Now sweeping away the hair after its been cut is no big deal, we dont have any sentimental feelings toward it(well, I dont anyway.) In the same way, a tree doesnt care much for the dead leaves that fall, thanks for sweeping them away it says. However, what gets nasty is when people want the leaves mulched back in, to benefit the yard and the tree. Think about it this way, that hair cutter gathers up all the hair clippings on the floor, throws them in a blender until its dust, mixes in some water, and forces you to drink it because its good for you. To top it off, you recieve a seasoning container full of your powdered hair to put on everything you intake. This poor tree! Why should it have to eat its own leaves? Sure it may be good for it, but who cares, thats just nasty.