An erosion control blanket dispensing method and apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes, a rotary drive secured to a mounting plate, and a blanket spindle secured to the rotary drive. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary drive controls an angular position of the blanket spindle relative to the mounting plate. The erosion control dispensing apparatus further preferably includes, a spindle support structure disposed between the rotary drive and the blanket spindle, and an adjustable stop disposed between the spindle support structure and the blanket spindle, wherein the adjustable stop controls an angular position of the blanket spindle relative to the spindle support structure. A method of assembling the apparatus preferably includes at least the steps of providing a mounting plate, attaching a hydraulic rotary actuator to the mounting plate, securing a spindle support structure to the hydraulic rotary actuator, and affixing a blanket spindle to the spindle support structure.