I've never had an artificial tree before; we've always cut one down as a family tradition.  So, I was apprehensive about going this route.  But this little tree is surprisingly life-like.  The branches seem sturdy enough to hold our heavier ornaments, and the lights are prettily arranged.  It took about half an hour to fluff out the branches and get them arranged.  We're planning to place the tree in our new bay window seat, which will save a lot of floor space in our small home and will look great from the outside.