A "live-edge" refers to leaving the edge of the wood, where the bark is located, in its natural state. I like using live edges because I feel it gives you a view into the wood from the outside. I also find a lot of beauty in the outside of the tree. Leaving the edge natural allows you to see each layer of the tree much in the same way that a highway rock cut allows you to see the various layers of soil and rock that form below the surface. There are two types of live edges: the "bark-on live edge and the live edge that has no bark. The "bark-on" live edge is at it implies, the bark is left on the wood. The bark-on live edge is often preferred by many but it is quite rare. When wood dries, it shrinks and the bark usually falls off. In some cases, the bark may remain on and this occurs sometimes if the tree is cut in the late Fall or Winter when there is less moisture in the tree. I have also had better luck keeping bark on the tree when I cut dead trees as there is less moisture to contend with. The live edge without the bark is also beautiful and depending on the natural anomalies around it, can be just as stunning. Others prefer the bark-off live edge because it is more subtle.