If you like, you can start a diary in the Gardeners' Diary thread, or keep you photos in the Gallery
Clearing away the grass roots is a good idea, and any dead material can be dug in, as you suggested. You have a very good looking cherry tree there (as far as I can see) so maybe think about how you can stop birds eating them all before you do! I make "sleeves" of fine netting and pull them loosely over a branch and tie it round onto the branch. Get lots that way!
I can also see what may be an apple tree waving long shoots up into the air