As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both kinds of mulch. I have rock as I've always been a little leery about wood type stuff against the house. (Probably left over from CA and the termites!) I also like rock because it does retain heat and I have some plants that only survive our winters because the rocks help heat the soil around the roots and keep them alive during our frost/freeze periods. BUT, you have to keep the rocks about an inch or so away from the trunk/stems of plant as the excess heat in the summer can burn the tissue and damage the plants, even grown palms.
So, do what you think will be best for you and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure your plants like it, too.
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