How old were the shrubs that died, and if recent, what time of year did you plant them? What were the shrubs concerned?

I find membranes keep the soil far too moist, which is not good for half the year and will kill plants.

I've found the opposite to Kildermorie but this may be because I garden on free draining alkaline soil in a dry part of the country. I used membrane with a bark covering on my shrub border and had no problems.

Added to GoYpedia :o)

All adds weight to my crusade against using a weed suppressing membrane. The times I've had to unravel perennial weeds from fabric, or worse, plastic woven, membrane are beyond counting. They make cultivation almost impossible, they are a tool for those who prefer not to care too assiduously for their soil, they prevent good husbandry, they don't allow the soil to behave properly, be it re drainage or nutrient absorption, and if you have to replant, or move a plant, they're a right pain. That'd probably the only thing I shall ever rant about on this site!

Hear hear!

And from me aswell !