NewSt. Augustine
Fusion St. Augustine
Bayside Sod’s patent-pending blend of four St. Augustine genotypes, for yards in full sun to moderate shade.
Sod for Ruskin and the South Shore, FL
Discover the Best Sod Near You in Ruskin.
Bayside Sod grows St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Bahia sod on our family farm in Bradenton and now serves Ruskin and the South Shore, from Parrish and Palmetto across the Manatee River to Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, and Riverview, and a Ruskin store for pickup.
Ordering on the South Shore
Three Steps From Our Field to Your Ruskin Yard
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Pick the variety
Choose the grass that fits your yard. Not sure? Call and we will recommend one for your sun, shade, and irrigation.
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Count the pallets
One pallet covers 400 sq ft. Divide your square footage by 400 and round up.
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We cut and deliver
We cut your order at the farm and truck it up US 41 or I-75 to the South Shore. Delivery starts at one pallet, and the fee is quoted with your order.
South Shore Conditions
Two Counties, Two Variance Offices, One Watering Day
The South Shore sits on the Hillsborough side of the Manatee River, and that decides where you register a new lawn. Both counties are under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s one-day-per-week order, extended on September 22, 2026 through March 31, 2027, and both honor the 60-day establishment period for new sod. Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, and Riverview register the variance with the District; Parrish, Palmetto, and Ellenton call Manatee County’s Water Conservation Department. Our Manatee and District guides walk through each.
Newer South Shore communities in Riverview, Wimauma, and Apollo Beach mostly came with builder-grade turf, and upgrading it is a common request. Most of those communities review lawn changes, so submit the HOA modification request before you order the sod; we can give you the variety and square footage to put on the form.
Bayside Sod now has a Ruskin store, so South Shore customers can pick up a few pieces without the drive to Bradenton. Call (941) 702-1746 for its hours. Check your watering day (opens in a new tab).
Grown on Our Farm
Seven Varieties Available for South Shore Delivery
Bahia
Bahia
Drought and heat tolerant, low maintenance, and the only variety that does not need an irrigation system.
Bermuda
Bimini Bermuda
A fine-bladed Bermuda for full sun and heavy traffic, from backyards to sports turf.
St. Augustine
Bitterblue St. Augustine
Shade tolerant for yards with up to 60 percent shade, and holds up to pets and moderate traffic.
Zoysia
CitraZoy Zoysia
A University of Florida zoysia with a finer blade than EMPIRE and improved disease resistance, for a soft lawn.
St. Augustine
Floratam St. Augustine
The most common St. Augustine in the area, best for yards with about 80 percent sun.
Ready to Price Your Ruskin Order?
Tell us the variety and square footage, and we will quote the sod and the delivery.
Compare Varieties
Grass Comparison Based on Key Characteristics
| Variety | Sun and shade | Irrigation | Drought resistance | Foot traffic | Maintenance | Establishment time | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahia | Good for full sun, limited for shade | Irrigation required only to establish | Good to excellent | Moderate to good wear, moderate foot traffic | Low | Moderate | Medium width and texture |
| Bimini Bermuda | Excellent for full sun, limited for shade | Permanent irrigation recommended | Good | Good wear, moderate to heavy foot traffic | Moderate | Moderate to fast | Fine texture, narrow, and pointed |
| Bitterblue St. Augustine | Good for full sun, moderate for shade | Permanent irrigation required | Moderate | Good wear, moderate foot traffic | Moderate | Moderate | Broad and coarse |
| CitraZoy Zoysia | Good for full sun, limited for shade | Permanent irrigation required | Moderate | Good wear, moderate foot traffic | Moderate | Moderate to slow | Fine to medium texture, narrow leaf blade |
| EMPIRE Zoysia | Good for full sun, limited for shade | Permanent irrigation required | Moderate | Good wear, moderate foot traffic | Moderate | Moderate to slow | Fine to medium texture, narrow leaf blade |
| Floratam St. Augustine | Good for full sun, limited for shade | Permanent irrigation required | Moderate | Good wear, moderate foot traffic | Moderate | Moderate | Broad and coarse |
| Fusion St. Augustine | Thrives in full sun and moderate shade | Permanent irrigation required | Moderate | Good wear, moderate foot traffic | Routine inputs, the same as any St. Augustine lawn | Moderate | Broad and coarse |
Our Guarantee
Fresh on Arrival, or We Replace It
If the quality of your sod disappoints you on arrival, we replace it or refund your money. For installation, you make the final payment only once you are satisfied. Bayside Sod is a fifth-generation family farm, growing sod in Bradenton since 1987.
4.9 out of 5 stars from 253 Google reviews
Ruskin Sod Questions
The Ruskin Store, Delivery, Which County, and Watering
Does Bayside Sod have a store in Ruskin?
Yes, Bayside Sod has opened a second location in Ruskin, in addition to the farm store at 19810 FL-64, Bradenton. Call (941) 702-1746 for Ruskin store hours and to have your order ready for pickup.
Do you deliver sod to Ruskin and Apollo Beach?
Yes. We deliver from our farm in Bradenton across the South Shore, including Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, Wimauma, Gibsonton, and Riverview, and to Parrish, Palmetto, and Ellenton in North Manatee. Delivery requires at least one pallet (400 sq ft).
What does delivery to the South Shore cost?
Free delivery covers homeowners in Bradenton and Sarasota. South Shore orders carry a delivery fee that depends on the address and the load, and we quote it with the order. Parrish and Palmetto are closer to the farm than Ruskin, so their fee is lower.
Can I install new sod in Hillsborough County during the water restrictions?
Yes. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s one-day-per-week order covers all of Hillsborough County through March 31, 2027, private wells included, but new lawns get a 60-day establishment period: any day for 30 days, then three days a week. Register the variance with the District at 1-800-848-0499 before the install and keep your receipt. Manatee County addresses (Parrish, Palmetto, Ellenton) register with the county instead; see our Manatee County guide.
Which grass is best for a South Shore yard?
Floratam St. Augustine for a sunny, irrigated yard; Bitterblue or ProVista St. Augustine under oaks; Bahia if you have no sprinklers; Bimini Bermuda for heavy traffic in full sun; EMPIRE Zoysia for a dense, fine-bladed lawn. Every grass needs at least four hours of good sun a day.
Can you install the sod too?
Yes. Our crew removes the old lawn with a sod cutter, preps the soil, and lays the new sod, and you make the final payment only when you are satisfied.
Is Turf Care available in Ruskin?
Not yet in Hillsborough County. Turf Care serves Manatee and Sarasota counties, which does include Parrish, Palmetto, and Ellenton. Call to ask about the South Shore.
Free Quotes
Get Fresh Sod Delivered on the South Shore
Call the farm or send the quote form, and we will price the sod and the delivery to your address.