Is this the wrong time to plant in the ground? It's been really hot here, real hot.

The rule of thumb in Texas is that you shouldn't plant trees in July & August.  The heat stress is too much.  

Spring and Fall are the preferred seasons for tree planting.  

Thanks for all the good info.

Hi sonnya,
My own thinking and experience is that a potted tree can be planted whenever you want.
bare-root trees must be planted at the right time - end of Fall till early Spring. Can't be in Summer or with stressing weather ( no freezing period either).

Think of the tree, what is she losing or winning when going from a pot to the dirt ?

Losing : nothing - ( if you don't disturb the roots ) - Just slip it out and install the tree in the new place. If you can add some loam next to the roots.

Winning: SPACE and access to more dirt to pump/access more water - and access more nutrients. Only possible drawback : Moles and Voles if you have them ...

If you keep your watering schedule, the tree is only winning so go ahead and plant them. Keep them watered .
Good luck ! ( without moles and voles )

What jds said.

If you, one, do not disturb the root ball, and two, water well regularly you will be ok.

 I have done it, not ideal timing.  Key is not to disturb roots.

I've done it too. "Key is not to disturb roots."
If you keep you plant closely watched and watered on schedule, you'll be fine. That means watering almost daily. Using drip irrigation hooked to a timer is best.

What others say in favor of planting now plus use lots of mulch.

Some claim that it's not good to mulch close around the trunk, but I do and always have positive results.

The tree may abort leaves but will grow them back in no time.

Good luck.

@JDSfrance - "Think of the tree, what is she losing or winning when going from a pot to the dirt ?"  

I'm not suggesting that the tree never be moved from the pot to the dirt.  I'm only concerned about the timing of when this is done.  As I see it, there's some risk...transplant shock and heat stress.  If one waits to transplant for a few weeks until it get's a little cooler in Texas you can mitigate the impact of heat stress.  

@DonCentralTexas & @SAS - not disturbing the root ball and consistent watering are sage advice but do you routinely transplant in the summer?  In other words do you disagree that it is prudent to wait for cooler weather to transplant (barring any other exigent circumstances)?  Who the heck wants to dig a new hole in +95 degree heat?  

I love it.  I'm also waiting until October.  Thanks guys.

Most of us keep our smaller trees in black pots, if you don't cover the sides up to reflect sunlight they get pretty hot... I'd say putting them in the ground would benefit. I don't care how dry the top soil is, you dig down a foot or 2 and it's cooler than the other side of your pillow... I'm about to transplant a couple into the ground...