I have a top root mat and want some advice?

Apparently due to using used soil or bad watering practices; I have developed a route map on the top of two of my plants.
I just transplanted these plants 3 gallon to 5 gallon and 7 gallon buckets. They were about in 6 weeks of vegetation from clone and I didn't want them to go through flowering and get root bind.
The roots where down to the bottom and wrapped about a quarter of the way up the 3 gallon buckets on both plants.
Here's my problem.
Both plants developed a really thick top root mat and water penetration is slow and methodical.
Like any grower I want a good root system, so here's my question.
Since I know it has good bottom roots on both plants, is it okay to use a spike and poke holes in this top mat in order to get watered down to the entire grow medium?
Here are some pictures:

I guess it was a stupid question.
I will spike it because I have a nice white root ball on the bottom.
Any shock that can be done I think will be inconsequential.
I think I should have posted this in Talk-n-Toke.