I know you are just itching to start spreading that mulch around – gardens, newly planted trees and shrubs, tender perennials.  I have just two words for you though:

DON’T’ DO IT!

At least, not yet.  It is way too early to mulch in our area.  See, it is important that you let the soil freeze a bit first – let the cold seep in.  I know that may sound counter-productive, but any horticultural expert worth his or her salt will back me up. 
The best way to remember when it is time to mulch is remember Thanksgiving – “bring out the turkey, bring out the mulch”.  By late November, our area has traditionally been through enough cold temps for the mulch to do its job well.  And it’s job is to PROTECT!

One other tip – when mulching around trees, do not pile the mulch up right next to the tree.  You are not trying to protect the trunk, you are trying to protect the roots.  So spread the mulch out over the ground and up close to the trunk, but not up against it where burrowing insects can hide and possibly do damage to the tree.