I put my Mt. Balsa tree up a few days ago and the best way I can tell you about it is to share a story from this morning..
I found a box of my children's old handmade ornaments and went to put them on the tree. As I was placing the first ornament on the tree, I thought to myself - "Oh good...the tree needles are still nice and soft." It took me a second to remember that this tree was artificial! :-) Oops!
This is hands down the most "real looking" artificial tree I've ever own or seen. It was a breeze to set up....literally took a few minutes. The lights are all nicely woven in and out of the branches, too. It's worth a little extra time to "fluff out" the branches to give them a more natural look.
My college son just came home last night and the first thing he said when he saw the tree was, "That's the best tree we've ever had, Dad." Need I say more?
(I also bought a tree skirt, ornaments, and 4 stockings.... everything is absolutely spectacular.).