A real Christmas tree looks (and smells) prettier than its artificial counterpart, and this festive period there are plenty of locally grown trees to be sourced in and around the city. Plus, last year Edinburgh City Council made special arrangements for easy tree recycling (this year's arrangements will be released in the new year). As Christmas fast approaches, knowing where and how to get the perfect tree may seem like a logistical nightmare. We’ve picked out some of the best places to buy Christmas trees, to ease the transition from forest to front room.

Who: Green Fir Christmas Trees
Where: Online order only
Species available: Nordmann Fir
Prices: 5ft £45 – 12ft £150
Delivery: Free, with next day service in Edinburgh North, Edinburgh South, Midlothian and Peebles. See online map for further details
Extras: Coal, kindling and eco wood briquettes
Plus: They promise that if you’re not satisfied, they will replace or refund the tree within 24 hours if it’s in same condition as when sold.

Who: Elegant Trees
Where: Online order only
Species available: Fraser Fir, Nordmann Fir and Scots Pine
Prices: Fraser Fir and Nordmann Fir 4ft £40 – 12ft £140, Scots Pine 5ft £40 – 7ft £50
Delivery: Free delivery in Edinburgh area, additional charge otherwise
Extras: A range of stands and wreaths
Plus: Larger trees available on request and last delivery date is 21 Dec.

Who: Dalmeny Christmas Trees
Where: Craigies Farm, Queensferry, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR
Species available: Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir, Noble Fir and Scots Pine
Prices: Norway Spruce £4 per ft, other types £7 per ft up to 10 ft
Delivery: Choose and collect from farm or can arrange delivery time
Extras: Holly wreaths and firewood
Plus: With customers such as Harvey Nichols and Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill, they promise to supply bigger trees to fit any domestic or commercial space. There’s also a deli and cafe at the farm.

Who: Hopetoun House Christmas Trees
Where: Trinlaymire Farm, Threemiletown, Linlithgow, EH49 6NF
Species available: Nordmann Fir, Scots Pine and Fraser Fir
Prices: Nordmann Fir 6ft £46 – 10ft £68, Scots Pine 5ft £27 – 10ft £50, Fraser Fir 5ft £35 – 10ft £67
Delivery: Choose and collect from farm during daylight hours
Extras: Firewood
Plus: Trees grown and produced under sustainable forestry scheme.

Who: Beecraigs Christmas Trees
Where: Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6PL
Species available: Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and Lodgepole Pine
Prices: Nordmann Fir 3ft £27.85 – 10ft £75, Fraser Fir 3ft £27.85 – 9ft £51.45, Norway Spruce 5ft £18.20 – 10ft £68.55, Lodgepole Pine 5ft £18.20 – 8ft £28.90
Delivery: Choose and collect from country park or you can arrange a delivery time if your address is in West Lothian
Extras: Stands
Plus: Free range vension by Seriously Good Vension is available at the Visitor Centre.

Who: Forestry Commission
Where: Blairadam, near Dunfermline and Glentress, near Peebles
Species available: Norway Spruce, Nordman Fir and Scots Pine
Prices: From £12, sizes between 4ft – 10ft
Delivery: Choose and collect from site
Extras: Stands, decorations, firewood and local crafts
Plus: The Forestry Commision also has Christmas tree sales centres across Scotland at Glenbranter, Inver, Kinnoull Hill, Kirroughtree, The Lodge at Aberfoyle, Tyrebagger, Contin, Newton Hill Croft and Camore.

A guide to tree types
Nordmann Fir: Has a rich green colour and soft needles that don’t shed as quickly as other species.
Fraser Fir: Foliage has a gentle citrus smell and soft needles in deep green with blue/grey underside.
Scots Pine: A native tree with stiff branches for supporting decorations.
Norway Spruce: Mildly scented and delicate foliage makes it the most traditional looking tree.
Noble Fir: Bright green in colour with needles that turn up, exposing the lower branches.
Lodgepole Pine: Slender and straight tree with a strong scent and green colour tinged with yellow.