Tuomo Isokuortti

Tuomo Isokuortti with Quercus bicolor seedlings

Where are you from?

Hollola, a town in Finland about 100 km north of Helsinki. I grew up on a farm in in Pertunmaa, and I still spend a lot of time there. Pertunmaa is a small town about 70 kilometers from Hollola to the east, now about 2,500 people live there.

What is your professional background?

I have an agricultural education, but nowadays I run a transport company. Forestry at my own farm is a second job and interest.

How did your interest in oaks start?

After visiting California four years ago I became interested in oaks.  In California I saw majestic old oaks.  After that trip I found hundreds of oak seedlings on my farm which I have marked.I have bought acorns from seed suppliers in the U.S. and collected some myself from town parks here in Finland. I have also bought seedlings from nurseries in Finland, which grew them from seeds acquired from international suppliers, mostly from Canada. 

How did you come to join IOS?

I was looking for something about oaks and I found website of the IOS. I was amazed that there are other "oak people" in the world. At first I didn't intend to become a member, but then I became more interested in oaks and decided to join. I would like to take part in trips and other events, if I have time.

Which are your favorite oaks?

There are two big oaks (Quercus robur), growing on my farm, about 100 years old. Birds have transplanted acorns around the forest. I have found and marked 400 seedlings in my forest. I'm sure that they are Q. robur, but there are some old oaks in my neighbors' backyards too.  So it is possible that all acorns are not from my farm. I have also planted acorns and seedlings many different various of oaks. Q. robur is the most common oak here in Finland. But now I am also very interested in Q. palustris and Q. rubra because they are faster growing. It will be nice to see how these species grow in Finland.

I have posted images of the oaks on my farm in a blog entry, click here to view it.