While the topic of artificial versus live Christmas tree is subject to endless debate, one can’t dispute the scent of fresh pine or the experience of being out in nature felling your own tree while making memories. 

Around the Springfield area, here are some fossil-fuel-PVC-free options for fresh and cut-it-yourself Christmas trees.

Bomke’s Patch opened its “out”doors as a Christmas tree farm in 2009 and has continued to expand in size to nearly 13,000 trees on 13 acres. Area residents may be familiar with its pumpkin patch and fall activities. Guests can choose to cut their own trees or browse through pre-cut selections. Free popcorn and hot cocoa available in the heated barn.

Saws and plastic sheet provided.

When: Nov. 26-Dec. 12, Friday-Sundays while supply lasts. Call for hours of operation.

U-pick trees by appointment only. Make reservations on website.

Where: 605 Country Lake Road, Springfield.

Information: www.bomkespatch.com and www.facebook.com/bomkes.patch, 217-341-4905, bomkespatch@live.com

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This family-owned and operated tree farm offers find and cut your own trees, pre-cut, and live trees. In its 56th year of business, its traditions continue with its Christmas Shop of handmade wreaths, roping, ornaments and holiday decorations. Balsam, Fraser fir, White pine and Scotch pine available. Lives trees may include White pine, Norway spruce, Concolor fir, Canaan fir and Colorado blue spruce. Heights and prices vary with variety. Live trees may be tagged for later pickup. Call to confirm inventory.

When: Nov. 20-Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Latest access to field is 4 p.m. Open by appointment only Dec. 11-19. Call to verify hours.

Information: www.fourestrees.com and 217-864-4704, fourestrees@aol.com

The family-owned and operated tree farm since 1983 offers primarily White pine and some Scotch pine. All trees are customer selected and cut. No pre-cuts available.

Saws provided but cutting service available. Cash and check only. All trees $60.

When: 1-5 p.m. Nov. 26; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-5; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19.

Where: 5285 East State Route 29, Rochester

Information: www.facebook.com/HubbellsGroveTreeFarm and 217-725-8949

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Tagged and cut trees are available in Scotch and White pine and Fraser and Douglas Fir.

When: Nov. 26 -Dec.19, noon to dusk Fridays, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays (call to confirm hours)

Where: 1991 300th St., Mount Pulaski

Information: https://business.facebook.com/NorthForkTreeFarm and 217-674-3476

This family tree farm offers 40 acres of trees to cut, mainly Scotch and White pines and some fir and spruce trees. Customers can also choose from fresh-cut Fraser, Douglas and Balsam firs as well as Scotch and White pines. Wreaths, roping and greens may be available.

Cash or Check Only. Saws furnished.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Nov. 26-Dec. 23

Where: 14143 Christmas Tree Road, Green Valley

Information: www.talbotttrees.com and www.facebook.com/Talbotts-Christmas-Tree-Farm, seasonal phone 309-348-3833, frankfamily77@gmail.com