Leaf mulching...am i doing it wrong?

I run the leaves through the mower first to break them up as it increases the speed at which they decay, and therefore available to use earlier.

 

I was thinking that chopping the leaves before mulching helps prevent them from sticking together and forming a solid mat over stuff in the ground you want to come through them, but might lessen its effectiveness as a weed suppressant.

 

You have a watering can don't you? You could squat over that and safely transport your offerings to the compost bin It will thank you