Hardy Tropicals UK

I've got a load of homemade compost. Would mulching my two waggies and cordies help protect the roots over winter or promote new soft growth that could be liable to frost damage?
Thanks in advance.

i think mulching is great as long as you keep it off the trunk slightly. you will be feeding the soil as they say, not directly feeding the plant. (looking at the pics of george's in the lawn, they love a bit of mulch)