Can pine needles be used as mulch around nine bark shrubs to reduce weeds?

Question: I have several nine bark shrubs planted beneath large pine trees. I usually rake up the pine needles around them in the fall, leaving compacted dirt. The dirt produces weeds throughout the summer. I was wondering if it would be okay to leave the pine needles as mulch around them, thus inhibiting weed growth. read more Can pine needles be used as mulch around nine bark shrubs to reduce weeds?