I just remove the dead vegetation and put it in a composter and then along with SHREDDED LEAVES, I like to add some well rotted manure and or compost depending on what I can get, a few inches thick, over the top of the soil and let it decompose over the winter and leach into the ground. Then in Spring I turn the whole of it, over into the soil.
It can take several years to develop a great soil and once you get there, the work becomes minimal to maintain.
Enjoy the work for great results.
peace