Early season turf management decisions strongly influence surface performance for the rest of the year. The video below uses a simple but effective analogy to explain why applying surfactants early in the season provides a strategic advantage.
After winter, the soil profile is relatively open and unconsolidated, much like a stretched slinky. In this condition, water and applied products can move deeper and more uniformly through the rootzone. As the season progresses, traffic from mowing, play, and maintenance compresses the soil, restricting movement of water and inputs. When that “slinky” tightens, it becomes harder for surfactants to penetrate and distribute effectively.
Applying surfactants early takes advantage of this open soil structure. It allows the chemistry to position itself deeper in the profile, where it can improve water infiltration, distribution, and retention. This early placement helps prevent localized dry spots, promotes more consistent moisture availability, and supports healthier root development throughout the growing season.
In practice, an early application sets the foundation for better moisture control, fewer stress periods, and more predictable playing conditions. Rather than reacting to problems later in the season, turf managers who start early are effectively building resilience into the system from the beginning.
