> After year of mulching our home’s 8’ perimeter, we decided to replace the mulched area with river stone (smooth 2”-3”). <
Interesting, thanks. By the 2”-3”, did you mean the depth of the stone layer? Then no or few weeds?
No - 2”-3” is the size/diameter of the smooth river stone that I used. You'll want to lay a weed/fabric barrier before you place your stone. The depth of the stones you lay can be as little as enough to fully cover the fabric or deeper if you like.