Weed Wiper: Controlling Tall Weeds in Food Plots

Weed Wiper: Controlling Tall Weeds in Food Plots

Joyce Allison Tredaway, Ph.D.
Whitetail Institute of North America

Late summer brings a familiar challenge for many food plot managers. Tall broadleaf weeds like dogfennel, horseweed (marestail), ironweed, and similar species begin to rise above the crop canopy. Once these weeds reach this height, they are no longer candidates for selective broadleaf herbicides. They simply stand too tall for sprays to reach them without damaging the desirable forages below.

A practical and highly effective solution for this situation is the weed wiper.

What a Weed Wiper Does

A weed wiper is a tractor-mounted tool designed to apply glyphosate directly to tall weeds while avoiding contact with the lower-growing food plot crops. This selective contact makes it possible to control weeds that are otherwise too large for conventional herbicide applications.

  • Wicking material attached along the bottom of the tube
  • A mounting system that allows the unit to be positioned above the crop canopy

As the tractor, ATV, or UTV moves through the plot, the tall weeds brush against the saturated wick. The glyphosate transfers to the weed foliage while the desirable forages below remain untouched.

Why Weed Wipers Work So Well

Weed wipers shine in situations where:

  • Weeds are taller than the crop canopy
  • Selective herbicides are no longer an option
  • You need to avoid injuring clover, alfalfa, chicory, or other low-growing forages
  • The infestation is patchy, making broadcast spraying unnecessary

Because the herbicide is applied only to the weeds that physically contact the wick, the approach is both targeted and economical.

Equipment Options

Several manufacturers offer weed wipers in a range of widths and mounting styles. Many can be adapted for tractors, ATVs, and UTVs, making them accessible for food plotters of all sizes.

Here are two reputable sources:

Final Thoughts

Tall weeds can quickly take over a food plot once they outgrow the reach of selective herbicides. A weed wiper provides a reliable way to regain control without harming the valuable forages beneath. For land managers who routinely battle dogfennel, marestail, ironweed, and similar species, adding a weed wiper to the equipment lineup is a smart long-term investment.

Photo 1. ATV/UTV-mounted weed wiper.

Photo 2 and 3. Tractor-mounted weed wipers.

Weed Wiper: Controlling Tall Weeds in Food Plots
!