The recent attempts to model the Li-dendrite formation using the phase-field method will be briefly reviewed.  In particular, a nonlinear phase-field model, accounting for the Butler-Volmer electrochemical reaction kinetics, will be presented. The dendritic patterns are examined as a function of applied voltage and initial electrode surface morphology. A design map is proposed to tailor the electrode surface morphology and the applied voltage to avoid undesired dendritic patterns. The possibility of incorporating the effect of SEI on the Li-dendrite formation in a phase-field model will be discussed.