http://thechive.com/2012/03/27/lumberjack-pretty-much-nails-it-video/

Aside from the obvious "not like that guy", I would think this would be a great candidate for a top-down removal. Climb the tree and limb it on the way up (lowering branches with a rope and pulley), then biting off sections as you down-climb.

For an "all or nothing", I would run a diagonal cut from about 5ft. up on the house-side of the tree aiming downward to the ground. A progressive series of wedges would widen the cut and pre-bend the tree in the intended direction. You still risk a twist, but this way the tree glances the side or the front of the house instead of the middle of it.

Any other ideas?

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If you can read this, thank a teacher.
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Cutting that close to a house, it is time to swallow your pride and tie a rope or cable to it and pull it the direction you want.

Scott Coker '92

I agree with Coker. Tie a rope to a truck hitch and use that to put tension on the rope. Just make sure the rope is longer than the tree so the truck doesn't end up like the house.

The problem with that tree is that it's tall, has a lot of area to catch wind with, and not many trees around it to block the wind. So, even if you set the wedge correctly, the wind could easily take it the other direction.

Second, since there are so many branches, and no discernible lean, it's liable to go anywhich way.

Hello, Allstate, I have a claim to file. You see, I was cutting down this tree on my property . . .

Just call BOB.

I would start with a front wedge that is a whole lot deeper...

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Just call BOB.

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I don't need no BOB! Them new fangled chainsaws just ain't right!

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tie a rope or cable to it and pull it the direction you want.

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I think we've used this method a few times... I mean, uhh, what?

You could do it fine just cutting it like normal, just make your front wedge go about 80% of the way through.