I have had a real tree for the past 30 years. I have always hated artificial trees, but I adore my Father in Law and he is allergic to real trees. I also have a toddler and dreaded having to add taking care of a tree to my list of things to do. I decided to "just look" for an artificial tree and ended up with this. I honestly could not be happier. It looks real, even my family who are not fans of artificial trees love it. The tree set up in under ten minutes, it is beautiful and full and the amount of lights is perfect! So glad I made the leap, I love this tree!