Hi Gwen
I would ask your neighbors where they get their compost (do they make it, or is it purchased) the ones with the beautiful yards will be able to give you good info.
You said you don't want to dig it into the soil, but rather place it on top of the beds...are you talking about mulch maybe? With that many trees I would suspect that you have a lot of pine needles for mulch.
As far as hot compost, they are referring to compost that has not fully broke down, when the carbon and the nitrogen break down, the microbes, bacteria will produce heat during the breakdown phase. I can be as quick as 90 days to 2 years. Compost just happens. When completely broke down it smells and feels like crumbly soil.
There are lots of knowledgeable people on this site are more than happy to help, and Im sure several in your general area.
