Finding Christmas trees in Toronto isn't exactly a difficult thing to do. Pretty much every grocery store carries a variety, many of which are decently if not amazingly priced. But, should one be looking for a locally grown tree or even for knowledgeable sales staff, the options diminish rather significantly.

Here are five places to buy a tree in Toronto that aren't Loblaws, Sobeys or Ikea. Oh, and just to be clear, I'm talking about real trees here!

Fiesta Farms
The place where I've purchased my last two trees, Fiesta Gardens (affiliated with Fiesta Farms grocery store) offers a wide selection and decent prices. Sourced mainly from Ontario (but with a selection from Nova Scotia and Oregon) as well, the price range is $28 for a three to four foot tree to $200 for a 14 foot monster. Balsam and Fraser Fir make up the majority of their selection. 200 Christie St., 416-537-1244.

St. Lawrence Market
One of the best locally grown options in the city, DonMor Farms Christmas Trees & Greens can be found outside the North market building everyday of the week (unlike the farmers inside who are only there on Saturdays). The most popular tree at DonMor is the short-needled Fraser Fir, which goes for about $10 per foot. The do, however carry a variety of trees, with Balsam's coming in at a less expensive $6 per foot. Very knowledgeable staff. 416-769-2810.

Evergreen Gardens (Don Valley Brick Works)
Another good local option is Evergreen Gardens at the Don Valley Brick Works. All of the trees on offer here are grown in Alliston, about an hour north of the city. Varieties on offer include Balsam and Fraser fir, White and Scotch Pine, and Concolor fir. Prices range from 19.99 for a 2 1/2 foot tree to 79.99 for 9 foot offering. Thursday-Sunday, 416-596-0404.

Harvest Your Own Trees
If locally sourced doesn't quite cut it and you want to cut the tree down yourself (or beside a skilled farmer), there are actually tons of options in the GTA (and slightly beyond). Perhaps the most popular is Horton Farms just north of Stouffville where trees go for $40 cash, but there's actually an entire website devoted to the various other options.

East End Garden Centre
Residents in the east end could do worse than a trip to this garden centre, which carries Balsam and Fraser Firs, Scoth Pine and Kris Kringle trees in a range of sizes from three to 16 feet. Prices start at $25 and they keep stock right up until Christmas Eve, so take note procrastinators. 1395 Queen St. E., 416-469-4925

Did we miss a great Christmas tree seller? Let us know in the comments section.

Photo of the Christmas trees for sale at Evergreen Brick Works.