I would say if the flower beds were in good shape before the workmen tromped over them, just un-compact the soil by sticking the fork into the soil (as deep as it will go), and gently lever the soil, breaking up the compaction, allowing some air to get in. I wouldn't turn it over, just loosen it.

If you have access to compost AND mulch, lay an inch or so of compost over the surface, then lay a thicker layer of mulch over the top. The worms will work the compost into the soil, and the mulch will protect it from sunlight and drying out.

Personally, I would have composted those workmen, but I have a very short temper and a fairly large compost pile....

Sue

Thanks Sue. So we don't need to work the compost into
the soil? It is claylike right now. I appreciate your
help. You have a wonderful sense of humor!
Carolyn

Sure you CAN work the compost into the soil if you wish and if it won't disturb the established plants. But you don't have to - just let the worms and the SFW do the work.

Crucial point is to understand that compost and mulch are 2 very different things. As Sue said you can just layer the compost on (or you can dig it in if you wish) but keep the mulch only on top of the soil, ok?

Dave

Digdirt is right. Compost changes soil texture and mulch is for keeping soil moist and weeds out.

+1 for what digdirt said. I mulch more that 90 % of what goes into my place. I do a little bit of composting to get potting soil amendment. I do this with a little horse manure added to the compost.
I also slow compost (one year piles) large stuff that can't really mulch on the garden or orchard. (stuff like heavy branches the chipper can't do, 2x4 construction pieces, with some finer stuff like weeds and kitchen waste and a little manure, and some old compost added to get the bacteria going) Its amazing to see a 2x4 one year later, if it doesn't just crumble, it goes through my small chipper like a breeze. But this is a lot or work. Dragging to the pile, stacking the pile, (in our area also watering), screening, chipping and then moving to where it's needed. Mulch is one step, move to where it's needed, thats it. composting really is to much work.
I prefer mulching, it really doesn't take long before the mulch is part of the soil.
But to answer your question more directly, I think what you are asking is; do you work material into the soil or just put it on top?
Answer. put it on top. organic amendments more than 4 inches below the top of the soil do almost no good. The same material just applied on the top will produce much better results. I agree with belgianpup, break up the soil a bit, turning as little as possible, and then mulch on top.

What was the condition of this soil before being walked on? If it was well amended before with lots of organic matter then it will spring back with no effort on your part. But if the soil is not amended with organic matter, like all soils should be, you may well need to mix that compost in to un compact it. Good soils properly amended with organic matter will not be compscted simply by someone walking on them.

I just use a garden fork to uncompact the soil when this happens by sticking it into the soil and moving it back and forth gently, you can then just add compost or mulch on top if it needs it.

I have to admit when working on my own house I find it impossible not to mess up the garden beds, especially when Im using a ladder. when youre moving a ladder about, making sure it's stabilised and climbing up and down with hands full while focusing on the job you're doing, it's very hard to also be tiptoeing around the plants. I just do the best I can without worrying too much about them and clean it all up afterwards, but a bit of pruning and aerating with the fork and everything usually bounces back.

I so appreciate all the posts! I have my handyman coming
today. I think I ordered to much compost and mulch.
Nicholson & Hardie delivered yesterday. You wouldn't
believe my patio. Looks like there are enough bags of
mulch and compost to cultivate the White House lawn!!
Thanks again for the helpful input!
Carolyn

There is never too much compost, you will find a place for it.
here is another vote for forking a little to lossen up the beds a bit (without turning) and then put on compost and mulch over the top.

Here is a link that might be useful: TCLynx