It is recommended as a shade tree. Water hickory is occasionally planted or retained In natural stands for a shade tree. It was brought to North America in the mid-1700s as a shade tree. Generally it is also often used as an ornamental/shade tree. It is a highly regarded ornamental and shade tree. It is used as a living fence and a shade tree. The tree is highly ornamental, fast growing, and a good shade tree. It is useful as a shade tree in public parks and on golf courses. It is also a shade tree in plantations. It is popular because it is easy to grow and is a good shade tree. It is cultivated as a shade tree in North and South America. The species is also cultivated in Southern California as a shade tree. It is a common shade tree in cacao plantations. "Prosopis chilensis" is used as a shade tree and for firewood. In mainland India, it is grown as an ornamental plant, shade tree and border tree.