When I first took them out of the box, I was VERY worried. How did they even fit in there?But the branches are "easy to move" wire, so, easy to straighten and then move out as you like. Yes, you do that part. No, you don't rip it about any ole way, or you'll break it. No, the wire is not difficult to move and I have to use a gripper to open jars, I don't have strong hands. Spread the branches out away from the trunk, remember that branches generally reach up to the sky and branches are generally not perfectly straight, so wiggle them about.I've had them for a couple days and doing pretty well. One wasn't working quite right out of the box and I did the Fonzie smack and that would get it going and then the timer wouldn't come on the next day. And then it would. And then it wouldn't. So I called and they were very good about sending a replacement. It would have worked fine for on/off, but I want the timer option.The base is a white square, just like in the photos. It is not flimsy. I'm thinking about making a tree skirt for them. The tree unscrews from the base very easily, so would be a simple thing to add.I'm using them for winter ambiance. It's sad to have the tree down, so this is quite nice.
