Bought end of season so I verified lights work but have not used yet. The hinged branches seem like they will make assembly a breeze. The reason for the four star rating is that the lights look sloppy. I am a light snob and usually string about 3500 lights on a 7.5’ live tree. The wires for the lights on this tree dangle down from the branches and will be visible regardless of how much fluffing is done and decorations are added. I do like that it is not made of plastic and easily identified as artificial. Will fit nicely and be used to display ornaments too heavy for a live tree.