Some species that would normally grow in the sun in moist environments seem to be happy in the shade in climates with more heat. They will often grow darker green fronds in more shady conditions. Also, placing a treefern near a pool or a cool stream can be advantageous, since the water can have a cooling and humidifying effect on hot, dry air. In warmer climates, afternoon sun is really not necessary and tree ferns are much easier to manage without it. Morning sun, however, can be helpful for its warming effects on the soil on cold winter days.
Many tree ferns detest wind, and respond with burnt frond tips.
The best specimens are usually found in wind-sheltered positions. The Dicksonias are probably slightly more wind-tolerant overall, and perhaps Cyathea medullaris . The combination of subfreezing temperatures and cold winds can be extremely damaging where adequate protection measures have not been taken. The soil should be rather moist year-round as well. Dicksonia antarctica , D. herbertii and Cyathea australis are more tolerant of very wet soils than other species, but I do not know just how wet they can get before they suffer.