This was our first artificial tree.  I've always been against it but somehow my wife talked me into it.  When we first took it out of the box I looked at it and said: this isn't a tree!! but after putting it together and about half hour playing with it the thing came to life.  Now, I'll never own another real tree for the simple fact that the lights already came pre installed.  The tree looks as real as any with all the ornaments on...