The most common Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) have a plastic mesh netting on one side if not two. The net helps to improve longevity and performance of the blanket, however the netting used in ECBs takes a long time to degrade and poses a threat of entangling wildlife. The mesh can also lead to potential entanglement in mowing equipment that could damage the machine and threaten staff safety. This study will look at the relative performance of net- and plastic-free ECBs under similar field conditions, and provide Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) a guideline to select proper ECBs during construction activities and apply them properly.