My Secret Weapon
 

Freeze forecast next week here in Atlanta so its cut down time, always a big chore. Some of these main stems are huge, as the top of the leaves were over 25'.
Something I tried out today actually worked perfect! I bought one of those cable survival saws form EBAY. I think the one I bought is called the Commando. If I remember, t was only about $10 or so.
It is a thin serrated cable about 2' long with handles on each end. Put the cable around the stem and pull back and forth quickly and man, it cuts through the stem like butter! The cable gets a little clogged but a little cleaning and its good to go.
Next step is to install about 2' of pine straw over the clumps to keep them over the Winter.
If I could only come up with a way to 'chip' the leaves and cut stems as it takes about 4 trips to the dump to get rid of the debris. Would much rather compost this material.

Re: My Secret Weapon
 

If you have the space, trench compost the big stuff. Bury it. I did that with kitchen scraps when maruauding city rats made a normal bin/pile a joke. Saves gas and adds nutrients to your plot.

Do you have a picture of this miracle "saw"? Sounds interesting. Could it be used on small saplings? Or even a bit larger trees?

Re: My Secret Weapon
 

A decently sharp machete works well and will make your neighbors a little wary of you.