Rocks do keep out more weeds than mulch, and look better. But you should keep them clean as you go and not let them get a mess.
As far as the heat, it is a non issue for most plants. Stones can be abrasive to softer stems like with annuals. The stones touching your plants, should be in the shade of the plant they are touching anyway. And act as to insulate the roots below in reality, just like mulch.
What issues you have or take care of with your stone will depend on what plants and trees you have, what soil you have, what type of stone and size stone you use. what type ground cover goes under the stone and how it is placed. And VERY IMPORTANT, depth of the stone. Thicker the better IS NOT TRUE. It is the opposite. Spread as thin as possible so you don't see matting underneath. The thicker the stone, the easier it is for weeds to germinate on top of the matting.
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