I was a little disappointed with this tree. It is darker than I assumed it would be from the pictures and the branches are very stiff --- like I would expect to find on a pine tree instead of having a downward slope to them even after shaping them . I was replacing a tree bought several years ago but wanted to go a little smaller so disposed of the one I had in anticipation of having a nice new tree (we put up 5) --- I will make it work for this year since I have already started to set things up but will have to replace it next year --- Get what you pay for, I guess --- I have seen others in 2 stores that were less expensive and exactly what I expected this one to be so live and learn