These negative reviews aren't just "sour grapes". People like me just want you to take our information in before you buy from Balsam Hill. We purchased our tree 4 years ago. The lights work fine for the first few years. Then we had an entire string burn out on the lower part of our tree. The trouble shooting in the original packet didn't help. So finally got to CUSTOMER SERVICE at the end of January. They were no more creative than that. Essentially, the lights are almost the killer on these trees. I see many people have had a problem with them within the 1st year. Mine, unfortunately, was out of warranty. So, my observation is that these lights will, on average work for 4 years. I am happy for those whose trees work longer(though I couldn't find those reviews). We did take very good care of this tree & carefully wrapped & stored the tree each season. Conclusion: BUYER BEWARE!!!!!