removing plastic mulch before planting

(tennessee)

I want to put some ground cover in an area that has some bushes. When this area was landscaped they put down mulch with a moisture/weed material under the mulch. Do I have to take up this cover completely or can I just cut holes to plant the ground cover. By just cutting the holes will the plant be able to spread with only getting into the mulch and not into the soil

Doug says the plastic mulch will have to be removed if you want to grow anything in it. You can cut holes in the mulch for other plants that don't expand (annuals) but any perennial or ground cover will not expand or thrive if that stuff is there.