Naples woodworker gives fallen trees a second life as art

Ian Orlikoff used to fell trees for a living. Often, those downed trees would simply get turned into mulch. But then he started thinking about what else they could become.

Now, the certified arborist runs Naples Live Edge Wood, where he makes custom tabletops, counters, shelves and more from trees that otherwise would be destined for the mulcher. The “live edge” refers to the contours of the wood, meaning the edges retain their natural, uneven shape.

“I think having something as simple as a wood shelf with a natural edge, you can feel it change the room,” he says. “It warms it up.”

The Virginia native followed in the footsteps of his father, a prolific woodworker who once crafted his own sailboat. Orlikoff would help out, but always got stuck sanding.

“I told myself, ‘I’ll never be a woodworker because this sanding stuff is terrible,’” he says with a laugh.

He went on to become a medic in the Navy, then got into tree care, developing an interest in the biology of trees. He started his own tree service, Signature Tree Care, cutting down diseased trees and often splitting them open and marveling at the grain inside.

About 12 years ago, he purchased a sawmill and started cutting slabs. Woodworking began as a hobby while he ran the tree service, but eventually he started selling tabletops.

He and his wife, Stephanie, sold the Signature Tree Care service and began running Naples Live Edge Wood full time in 2020. After decades in the tree business, Orlikoff has built a network of fellow arborists who reach out when they come across an interesting chunk of lumber.

He invites potential clients to his showroom, where they browse the slabs together. He’s noticed that even when visitors don’t buy anything, they often leave happy.

“There’s a connection that happens, just being around all the unique shapes and pieces and colors of wood,” he says. “There’s something captivating about it. People will leave and say, ‘You’ve made my day.’”