I didn't expect too much given the price. After 20 min fighting the the pole on the top piece, I had to file out a huge burr which prevented the piece from joining. There are ample branches after fluffing the tree. I was very disappointed that several branches were just laying on other branches... Not secured to pole. Also very disappointed to see a multitude of tips without needles, they looked like heat burned the needles off. See photo. So basically, I have a cute 6' white pencil tree that looks like it got roughed up in a horrible storm. Given the price and decorations I made for it, it will still work.