You know it's the festive season when forests of cut Christmas trees start popping up all over the capital.

Pines and Needles' jolly, seasonal cabins - with their kilt-clad staff - have become an annual sight, selling fir trees grown in Scotland since 1995.

They also offer stands, lights, decorations and greenery to deck your halls, and with 40 cabins located Londonwide, from Finchley to Wimbledon, Ealing to Lee Valley, there should be an outlet near you.

Over the years, the firm has supplied everyone from Madonna to Sir Elton John and Royal residences.

Pets are bound to be curious about the new tree in their living room but there are tips on how to protect both your four legged friend and your Christmas tree during the season.Pets are bound to be curious about the new tree in their living room but there are tips on how to protect both your four legged friend and your Christmas tree during the season. (Image: Pines and Needles)

You can go along to choose one yourself, click and collect, or have it delivered, with services ranging from a basic drop off for £18, to the lazy option of installing and decorating your tree for £105.

Pines and Needles only stocks trees with minimal needle drop. They say one of their Nordmann Firs, installed in a water holding stand, and kept topped up and away from heat sources, should give a great looking tree right through to 12th Night.

Another way to ensure the tree's survival is to pet-proof it with the help of their expert tips.

Four legged friends are famously curious and bound to investigate that new addition to their living room. Pet owner Veronika Kusak from Pines and Needles suggests securely anchoring it first to ensure it doesn't tip over and injure them.

Other suggestions include leaving your tree bare for a few days to allow your dog or cat to get used to it and investigate without breaking any ornaments.

Hide electrical string lights and wires out of sight or reach of your pet to discourage chewing, also avoid bright, shiny tinsel which could be ingested and cause intestinal blockage and a trip to the vets.

Keep any tree water covered so your dog or cat cannot drink from it, and place fragile or delicate ornaments on sturdy branches higher up your tree.

You might also consider saving the presents for Christmas morning rather than keeping them under the tree. Not only are they likely to attract your pet's attention, but they may contain food that's toxic to dogs such as chocolate, raisins, and spiced nuts.