Question
If a membrain is used between the soil and wood chippings would the wood chippings pose a problem to new roses?

Answer
There usually is no problems with wood chips being used on newly planted roses. I have used the fine ground bark mulch for years. Wood chips got a bad name because gardeners use cedar chunks and the oil from the cedar caused problems for the roses and other plants. Cedar oil acts like a poison Fine ground cedar is better but other woods are best. Also there is a notion that wood draws out the nitrogen from the soil. If you have just normal soil for your area, there should be no problems as the tiny amount that is used won't effect a rose bush. However if you are a carpenter and use new shavings or sawdust from your work, then that type of wood will cause problems by acting like a blotter and drawing out the nitrogen plus other nutrients from the rose's roots. Even a membrane type of porous cloth such as Remay will not help. Ground bark, preferably fine ground, keeps the roses roots cool and damp which is what they like and saves on watering in the summer heat. In my garden I find it takes about two years to break down into nice soil. Larger pieces will take around five years. If you are concerned about the chips drawing out the nitrogen, then just get the cheapest lawn fertilizer (without any weed killer in it) and after you have placed the wood chips, take a handful and lightly sprinkle it around the base of the rose. You don't need much, just a light scattering.