I fluffed branches until my hands hurt and it still looks nothing like the picture on the website. I finally bought an inexpensive garland that I cut into sections to wrap around the bare metal on the hinged branches (by the way not all the branches are hinged, just the bottom pole). Once I added the garland the tree branches are less see-through. I like the height and diameter. After the holidays I will put it away fully assembled, fluffed, and supplemented by the garland so I don't have the same hassle next year.