If you're not installing a mulch kit, don't install mulch blades. They don't create much lift and will leave your grass looking like you cut it with a weedwacker. If the regular blades aren't pulling the leaves up from the grass, install the high lift blades because they create more suction and thrust. Another trick is to blow your leaves in a row and back over them with the blades running. This will grind them up more. Just be careful the leaves arent piled too high because you don't want to drag your muffler through them and start a fire.