Christmas Trees in London

A rose-nosed reindeer walks into a bar and the elf barman says: "Why the long face?" Rudolf duly replies: "I've got pines and needles". Yes, yes... it's a shocker - but it's presumably the inspiration behind this London-based premier Christmas tree service. Pines and Needles was set up by brothers Josh and Sam Lyle in 1995 when the entrepreneurial pair (aged just 15 and 13) decided to travel down from Scotland to London with a horsebox full of Christmas trees in a bid to make their fortunes. The gamble paid off and now Pines and Needles is a veritable festive topiary giant, with 15 outlets all over London, including stalls at Notting Hill, Fulham and Brick Lane. The Brothers Lyle believe in sustainable forestry and all their trees come from a site in Scotland where a triple-fold re-planting policy is in force. What's more, 10% of all profits go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital - and the boys will even come collect your tree after Christmas for recycling. It's an astoundingly accommodating service and they have a long loyal list of customers who faithfully return to them every year. And hats off must go to the friendly and ever-helpful staff, all of whom wear kilts even on the most freezing of days. Trees come in all shapes and sizes with traditional trees costing between £19.95 and £120.95, plus there is a huge selection of stands, lights, decorations, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and garlands. Visit the website for more information on prices and products. The flagship stall is in Maida Vale where the Lyles started selling trees outside their older brother's laundrette.

With a client list including No. 11 Downing Street, the London Dungeon and Tower Bridge, Camden Garden Centre must be doing something right in the Christmas tree stakes. Whether you want a simple tabletop sapling or a five-metre giant, this North London spot is definitely the place to visit. Expert staff are on hand to answer your Christmas tree-related queries while all the specimens are nicely displayed and can be trimmed and netted to facilitate transportation back to your home. Types of tree include the traditional Norway Spruce, the guaranteed needle-holding Nordmann and Noble Firs, the new compact pot-grown Fraser Fir variety and a wide selection of artificial trees. A delivery service is available throughout London, and while you're at it, make it a clean Christmas sweep with the selection of wreaths, holly and mistletoe on offer. The Christmas display opens from the 8th of November - but don't leave it too late because trees often run out well before Christmas Eve.

Offering an urban forest on seven farm-style sites around London, the Christmas Forest is London's largest independent "treetailer" ensuring that Londoners can enjoy their tree-browsing experience with their conscience appeased. For every tree that is sold, a donation is made to Tree Aid to plant and care for a new tree in the drylands of Africa. This year they are hoping to plant their 100,000th tree. The Christmas Forest is also saving on 'tree miles' by sourcing home-grown firs from special farms and sustainable plantations in the UK. Five different varieties are available, including the traditional aromatic Norway Spruce (from £18) and the non-drop Nordmann Fir (from £30), the Fraser and Noble Firs (from £44) and the hard-to-come-by Blue Spruce (from £31).  The Christmas Forest brings the magic of visiting a country farm to the city and, once you've chosen the right tree, you can add a few more homely festive touches by shopping for wreaths, lights, mistletoe, holly, stands, logs for the fire and even special entwined reindeer sculptures.

For those who like to do Christmas with a touch of class, a visit to Clifton Nurseries (or merely to their online shop) is a real festive treat. The Warwick Avenue garden centre is open seven days a week and will be selling Christmas trees of all shapes and size through to Christmas Eve (although supplies usually run out well before, so head early to avoid disappointment). For an extra cost, the Nurseries will adorn your tree with their own special balls, lights and decoration - you can even get the tree delivered and installed for you. But if you're after a basic package (ie. a tree tout simple) then prices start from around £20. The trees are renowned for their freshness and quality. Available again this year is the 'Edible Wreath' made with an assortment of fresh herbs, topped with ginger, chillies and whole bulbs of garlic: a visual and aromatic treat.

Located in the superb riverside stretch of greenery that is Bishops Park, Fulham Palace Garden Centre is a popular destination for Christmas tree hunters because it can be combined with a nice stroll by the Thames. Trees are in store from the end of November until they run out, so early birds catch the right Yuletide worm, so to speak. There's a huge choice in all varieties (Nordman, Spruce, Noble) and size (1.2m to 3m).  The profits go to a London youth charity called Fairbridge and the centre is run in conjunction with The Prince's Trust. The centre also stocks a huge supply of festive decorations, wreaths, candles, present ideas and gourmet food such as chutneys and mince - so it's definitely worth a visit even if you're not in the market for a strapping six-foot Nordic Fir.