What Mulch Alternatives Other Than Wood Can I Use Around Lilacs?

Question

I have 3 lilac rows, with 50 plants in each. They are Madame Lemoine and Sensation varieties. I want to replace the wood mulch with an alternative, such as rock or rubber mulch for weed control, as my dogs eat the wood mulch. Would either of these alternatives be recommended? Should I put weed barrier down first, and if so how do I still allow for the bushes to sucker(want to allow them to sucker to fill out)

Answer 1

This article should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-inorganic-mulch-in-gardens.htm