It’s not often that Costco’s home products go viral on TikTok, but that was certainly the case with the retailer’s selection of artificial plants. For months, social media has been buzzing about one ornamental plant in particular: Costco’s artificial olive tree. While most reviews are positive, several people point out that the quality of this popular product isn’t worth the price, as it seems cheap and poorly made.

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The TikTok-famous tree comes in multiple sizes and ranges from $179.99 to a whopping $499.99 on Costco’s website. It’s clear that many people aren’t put off by the price. After all, artificial indoor trees are all the rage; even John Legend swears by fake plants to decorate his entryway. However, critics on TikTok aren’t impressed with Costco’s celebrated decor piece. It’s also received a fair number of negative online reviews from disappointed customers. However, if you’re tempted to buy it despite the critics, there are a few nifty ways you can make your tree look more realistic, hide some of the imperfections, and preserve its condition for as long as possible.

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Many people who have treated themselves to the viral artificial olive tree at Costco have nothing but positive things to say. It’s easily in the running for the top-rated products in Costco’s home department, not to mention all the rave reviews on TikTok. However, some people have come forward with their criticisms of the trendy olive tree, and according to them, all that glitters is not gold.

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In a TikTok video, the founder of interior design company Et Sal Interiors points out that the quality of the viral decor piece is not worth the price. “It costs over $400 with tax and looks as cheap as a dollar store find in real life,” the TikToker writes in the caption. “Shiny faux olives, printed leaves, and little weight in the pot. Buyer beware. Not everything you see on social media is a good buy.” Another video by @tulaikachar makes similar comments about the shiny olives, cheaply made leaves, flimsy looking branches, and overall bulky and unnatural appearance.

Contrary to what the TikTok critics say, the vast majority of people who have reviewed this product love it. The 6-foot olive tree has over 1,400 five-star reviews on the Costco website. However, there are also dozens of one-star reviews from customers who were unhappy with the quality. Many of these reviews also said that the planter was cracked upon delivery.

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If you think Costco’s artificial tree, with its shiny olives and all, would look beautiful in your home, there are a few clever ways to make it look even more real. TikToker @codyrobley covered the olive tree’s trunk with forest moss rather than leaving the fake soil exposed. This small detail adds an element of texture and authenticity to the plant.

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Instead of simply laying down moss, you can enhance your tree even more by placing it in a larger container like a woven basket like @jessicamay_home demonstrates. Once you’ve found a new container for your tree, stuff the inside with a towel or old blanket, create a flat surface around the trunk with a piece of cardboard, and cover the surface with dried moss.

Another option is to decorate the tree with more branches. Buy a set of decorative olive branches on Amazon for about $13 and use glue to stick the branches directly to the trunk to make the tree look fuller and more vibrant. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as artificial plants tend to fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, a little shade can help hide the elements that make the tree look artificial.

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