Stump worms in white oak are problematic because...

• A. They permanently change heartwood color.
• B. They are generally not detectable in veneer-sized trees and do not damage the outer, more valuable portion of the tree.
• C. They are easily visible in veneer-sized trees.
• D. They increase the outer veneer grade.

Answer: (B)

Stump worms affect the interior heartwood, not the outer wood that becomes the veneer. In veneer-sized logs, the outer portion—the most valuable part—often looks sound even when the interior is compromised. That hidden interior damage means the wood can pass veneer grading checks while actually carrying defects that aren’t visible until processing or use, making the infestation hard to detect and potentially lowering the usable quality and value of the wood. This combination of internal damage that’s not visible in veneer-sized trees is why stump worms are a problem. The other ideas don’t fit because the issue isn’t about lasting color changes, they’re not easily seen in veneer-sized logs, and they don’t improve the veneer grade.