A shade tree is a large tree whose primary role is to provide shade in the surrounding environment due to its spreading canopy and crown, where it may give shelter from sunlight in the heat of the summer for people who seek recreational needs in urban parks and house yards, and thus, also protecting them from the sun's harmful UV rays.
In subtropical countries like Australia and India, figs are popular choices as shade trees.
Shade trees can enhance the privacy of a garden, patio, or back yard, by obstructing the view of outsiders.
A disadvantage is that in cool climates, an abundance of shade trees may lead to a dank environment in any nearby buildings or gardens.
[4] Planting shade trees around a home can also reduce the energy that homeowners use in the summer months.