I love this tree! It is gorgeous just with the lights on it! I was looking high and low for a realistic, with somewhat sparse looking branches, not triangular looking, affordable, yet elegant looking artificial Christmas tree and I found it! About 50% of it's branches are realistic looking. Yes, about 50% of the leaves are made of plastic but the shape of those leaves look realistic. The branches are sturdy, not flimsy. Make sure you follow the directions in setting up the tree, it's branches and leaves to make it look realistic. If you don't, it will not look like the one advertised. It took me about 2 hours to set up this gorgeous tree the very first time. The challenge was figuring which cords go with what plug to turn on all the lights since not all of the tree light cords were marked. I am so happy I bought this tree. I cannot wait to decorate it next Christmas!