Go ahead. As long as you don't put it right up against the plant/shrub/tree (actually touching it), you're good. I've used it right out of the chipper with no ill effects.

If the wood chips from a freshly cut tree are placed in one hugh pile the bacteria that will be digesting them will get to work, because the C:N ratioand moisture level are optimal, and as they work they generate heat. If that same pile of wood chips is spread out in a layer not exceeding 4 inches thick that will not happen.
It makes no difference what material your mulch is made of it should not touch the stems/trunks, of the plants since that will hold moisture against that stem/trunk which can cause rot.

Thank you for that information. I had another tree cut down and the stump ground out and I planted directly in the chips for that tree because it was the perfect circlular bed for my roses and they seem to be growing, slowing but growing none the less so I was going to use them anyway. Until I saw the pile I show in the photo that for some reason is now not showing up. When I saw it smoking that kind of alarmed me.

Also did not know the mulch should not touch the plant/trees, Guess I have some corrective work to do.

I have not seen the picture but my guess about what you saw, if it was white in color, would be steam not smoke. Smoke will be light gray in color, depenidng on how much carbon is in the smoke.

I meant to say steaming not smoking. Smoking would have been bad!! I am going to turn the pile tomorrow evening and put in some more greenery and see what happens

I usually wait a week or two and then use the wood chips. Even that is not really necessary as indicated above. That initial burst of activity cools down pretty soon. After that it will be a high carbon pile.