We almost bought a $400 olive tree before discovering this Cypress & Alabaster alternative at half the price. After three months in our sunlit living room, we're convinced this 6.5-footer rivals high-end versions we've tested. The real wood trunks immediately caught our eye—they're surprisingly authentic with natural grain variations that fake trunks can't replicate. What sealed the deal? Zero maintenance for allergy sufferers like us, plus those hypoallergenic leaves that don't trigger sneezing fits during dusting. We positioned ours near our gallery wall, and guests consistently mistake it for the real thing until they get within arm's reach. The Mediterranean aesthetic transformed our space from basic to resort-worthy without the $80 monthly watering service our neighbor swears by. Our full breakdown reveals the one assembly quirk that almost changed our rating.