Make an open notch on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want the tree to fall. Start cutting the crown at any height of the tree above the ground, leaving enough space for the bottom. The first cut must be made downward at an angle of 70°. If something seems and feels too risky, it probably is.
Look for obstacles and dangers, and not just in the direction you want the tree to fall; think about what would happen if the tree fell in another direction. Make sure there is enough space around the tree as an escape route once the tree is falling, advises the University of Missouri Extension. To make sure the tree falls in the right direction, make a directional cut on the same side you want the tree to fall on. Then, make the cut by making a horizontal cut from the opposite side.
Make sure that you do not cut the entire stem of the tree, but leave a hinge of approximately 3 cm that will control the direction of the felling. Cutting down large trees is no easy task, so if you don't have experience felling trees you should avoid trying. Determine if the tree is a manageable size, if there are electrical wires involved, and if children or pets can run to the danger area when the tree falls. Place a hinge on the trunk to direct the tree as it falls to the ground and ensure that it falls in the right direction.
In other words, if the tree falls in the direction you planned, move away from the tree at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the center of the rear cut. The notch allows the tree to fall properly, so you must place it on the “fallen” side so that the tree falls in that direction. Once the tree starts to fall and the hinge is cut thin enough to allow the tree to move freely, it's time to use the escape route and escape.