I got this tree to replace one that I got a few years ago from another company. Just a portion of its lights quit working, and after trying everything possible, I couldn't get them fixed. I can't believe we're in a place now where non-functioning lights forces us to buy a whole new tree, but we are. It did give me the ability to upgrade to a taller and more natural looking one, especially with a Black Friday sale. Once up, this tree is beautiful. Initially, I wasn't sure I was happy with the branches. About the end third of each branch is the realistic part, but it's feel is very stiff plastic. The inside two-thirds of each branch is the standard thin and softer old style. I'm not sure if there's a reason for this other than cost, but I wasn't very happy at first. I didn't remember reading anything in the description indicating that this is how the tree branches are. I almost left it in the box and started a return. I was afraid if I built it and didn't like it, I'd never get it boxed again to return. I decided to go ahead and build it anyway, and I am glad I did. It looks incredible. I still wish it was clear in the description about the branch design and why it's like that. You feel a bit ripped off. I think Balsam Hill should be more clear about the branch design so people understand what they're paying for. Had I understood up front, I think I'd still purchase it, and it would have 5 stars instead of 4. Lastly, there's no way to plug anything external into the tree lights. Especially at the top where you want your topper. I had to string an extension cord all the way through the center of the tree to hide it, to the very top of my 12' tree, and secure it to the tree as well. This should definitely be changed. At least 1 outlet for use at the top at a minimum. This took my initial 4 stars down to 3.

Tree arrived in a large box, which was inside a larger box. The box was designed to be opened standing up and once you removed the styrofoam blocks around the wheels the bottom part of the flip tree rolled out, . The top part of the tree was secured to the back of the inside of the box by a ribbon and was easy to remove. After removing the heavy duty bag from around the bottom of the tree, the tree flipped up, just as advertised. The top part then plugged into place on top of the main part of the tree. The tree came with extra lights, fuses and a tool to maintain the swivels that hold each branch of the tree.
Once the limbs were fluffed out we noticed that there were still some holes in the silhouette of the tree. So since we had previously purchased the "Branch Sample Kit," we used some of those branches to fill the holes. Worked great, the core of the tree looks thicker now. We do have more branch samples that we will add to fill it out more.

Tree and packaging quality are top notch as I expected. Really appreciate the storage bags and gloves for fluffing the tree. Tree stand is very sturdy and overall quality of tree is great. I'm not sure if the "real" version of this tree is like this, but the color feels a little artificial to me. After a couple hours of fluffing, tree looks great with some room between branches so ornaments can hang. I took one start off for incomplete lighting - there is a section all around the lower part of the tree (a band, so to speak) that is darker than the rest. As I was fluffing I noticed this section had fewer lights attached to the branches compared to other sections. Would have been perfect otherwise. And because of that I would not recommend to others.

Unfortunately in PA, cut trees are banned in multi-family homes (fire hazard). I knew that if I were going to get a fake tree, it would be a Balsam Hill tree. I am so happy to report that I made no mistake at all! I thought that I would be lamenting not having the real deal tree, but the tree looks so realistic and, as a plus, no needles and no anxiety over whether my tree is watered enough (because real Christmas trees drink A LOT of water).

I actually made a goof in ordering a 7.5' tree, but it turns out that my ceiling is too low. I quickly called customer service at Balsam Hill and they were able to cancel my order and everything was fine. I reordered a 6.5' tree and looks great.

Putting the tree together was super easy, too. I live alone and I am petite (and not very strong) but having the tree in three parts with the easy plug in made this a logistical dream. I am really happy with my purchase. I connected it to a switch outlet so that I can flip the switch on and off as I please since I don't personally like to have the tree lights running all day (and also, I live in a pseudo-one bedroom and the living space and sleeping space is separated by a half wall, and I like my place to be DARK when I am sleeping).