I would say it’s realistic from far away and when it’s first opened as all sorts of things come out of the box (fake branches, dirt, cardboard, etc.). I’m glad I opened it up outside instead of inside and collected a lot of this inside of the original packaging. More came off once I got it to where it would be displayed and began shaping the branches and leaves. I didn’t measure it with a tape, but if it’s 72 inches, that includes the pot. My aunt used to run a bamboo shop while my uncle used me as free labor to cut bamboo trees, so I think this was worth it for me in that it gives me a comforting feeling of a simpler time in life. The first day I put it up, that feeling made it worth it, even though I never think of a single tree with bamboo (more like a forest). Also, I enjoy watching my tuxedo cat lounge in his mini sofa under the tree while on his back, reaching for a low hanging branch just to paw at it until he gives up moving entirely before an impromptu nap.