Leaves on white gravel!

[StormTreader]

I've recently had my garden totally redone in white gravel rather than lawn but they've extended the white gravel area under some trees (my own fault for forgetting that wasn't the plan) and now it already has quite a few leaves on after just a week.
Is it worth getting a leaf blower/vacuum or am I basically better off just trying to collect by hand? Getting the gravel done in the first place was an attempt at reducing the upkeep work, I think I might have just exchanged jobs!

Don't think it will matter whether the white gravel is under the trees rather than just around them - leaves don't tend to fall straight down. Perhaps a leaf vacuum will be an idea!

It’s not really advisable to use a leaf vacuum on gravel, as it tends to suck the stones up too, possibly damaging the leaf vac. A blower, OTOH, is probably a better bet.

Did wonder that, Nan - although I reckon the blower will probably blow the gravel away too. Bit of a nightmare.

Please show me a leaf blower that is capable of sucking up gravel - mine barely sucks up leaves!

In fairness @FamilyGredunza "barely sucks up leaves" is probably what I want! I think I'm stuck between "not powerful enough to pull leaves from gravel" and "powerful enough to also suck up the gravel and break the machine" :s

I've got a Flymo GardenVac and it does a brilliant job of sucking up leaves and doesn't pick up the gravel. I can recommend it and it's definitely a massive time (and back) saver. X

Which model was that @JustGettingReady ? The 1600W or the 2700W?

I wouldn't worry too much. Your white gravel under the trees will go green soon enough. To be honest, you'd be far better taking it all up again and replacing with bark chips.

Mines an older model(the EV750) @StormTreader and it's still going strong. I've taken a pic of the label, think it shows as having 0.75kW power?

Blimey, just realised that my old GardenVac is under half the power of the new 1600w model! It's been picking up leaves, blossom, all sorts from my garden and leaving the gravel behind nicely. Maybe the newer models you don't hold the nozzle as close to the leaves for it to pick them up? 🤔

I agree with this. I think white gravel is just a bad idea all round.