Is there any trick to raking pine needles out of rock beds?

I have a couple of larger rock beds in my front yard that are composed of plain ol ‘ 2” or so diameter oval stones. Unfortunately, there is a massive pine tree in the vicinity that constantly sheds really long pine needles (6”-8”). I have tried different kinds of rakes with no success. I also tried vacuuming them out with a pretty powerful shop vac, but that also did not help. I tried the vac in blower mode, and that looked like it might have promise, if it pushed a bit more air. Although, I have a feeling the rocks are going to really start moving with a blower.

Is there any trick to raking pine needles out of rock beds?
brush them sideways til they are outside the bed then pick them up, it works best for me, also metal tined rakes are better than plastic


pine needles blow best when they are dry.





when using a blower on pine needles use a low level of power.
Reply:IF you do it CAREFULLY, on a calm- cool- sunny morning; try BURNING them out... JUST make sure you have a Loaded Garden Hose handy- JUST in case! :)
Reply:Leaf blower on low