Mine will need cut many times before the season is over. Mostly to pick up the leaves. The Maples are starting to drop but all the rest are just turning. I remember being on the rider at Thanksgiving for the last time of the season.
I'm with you lots of trees usually until early December. I bought a used like new 60" leaf rake to pull behind the mower. So, I'll mulch and pick up then dump it in the woods. Hopefully it all works well.