What I see fellows falling larger trees doing is starting the cuts horizontal and in the proper direction. They then use wedges to aid in getting the tree started out right.
They also take into account wind direction before starting
Sometimes the surrounding blue air seems to help the tree fall in the proper direction.
After making the initial wedge cut I have use a rope [ longer than the tree is tall] to help guide the tree to the ground.
On some smaller trees I have used my little tractor to push them over.