Overall, I'm pleased with this tree. While it isn't as full as most artificial trees, it isn't supposed to be. The "trunk" of the tree is real wood, and the branches - once separated and shaped - fill it in to appear as real, downswept alpine would. A few comments though, it does come in a very small box. I won't even try to squeeze it back into that. Since the branches come directly out real wood, I should think that repeated bending would damage the trunk easily. I'll be bagging the tree for storage instead. The base is AS SHOWN, just a flat piece of metal. Any bumps WILL cause it to topple. Even my cat rubbing against it has made it fall (still undecorated fortunately!) I have added extra support to the base.