Canopies play an important part in reducing the water consumption by providing an environment that reduces evapotranspiration. Along the same theme, canopies have been developed as Dam Covers to protect irrigation resources. The NetPro dam covers consist of cables suspended across the dam and covered with shade-cloth. Keeping the cover low, at dam-wall height, reduces wind resistance and expense.

Canopies are excellent for Environment manipulation and can be used for producing fruits outside of their normal climatic range; this can aid in farm diversification.

Canopies markedly reduce wind damage. Windbreaks can be incorporated as part of the canopy design or designed as stand-alone structures; either way, canopies and windbreaks are important tools in reducing wind damage to trees and fruit, and reducing spray drift to surrounding areas.