This tree looks real, but it’s even better than a real tree because you can bend the tips of the branches to keep heavier ornaments from falling off. It did take an hour to fluff-up all the branches, but it was still very easy to set. We have it on carpet and it’s very sturdy. There are branches made with cheaper material on the bottom inside section of the tree and the needles of these branches do fall off, so it’s not completely mess free, but still a million times better than  the mess of a real tree. I highly recommend this tree and company.