With their upright, pyramidal form, attractive shaggy bark and fall color, Hickories are a landscape asset. They can shade a south wall from hot summer sun, and also look good planted in a row along a driveway. They re good trees for hot summer areas. Unfortunately, they tend to snap under heavy snow or ice loads. Though sometimes a bit hard to shell, the nuts are delicious by themselves or in cooking and baking. A pint of nuts will yield about a half a cup of meats, not a lot but delicious in any amount.