Got to cut down a large Sycamore tree tomorrow morning and it is about 3 feet thick in diameter at the bottom and definitely leaning out from the bottom all the way up to the 35 foot top. I guess the best way to describe the lean is... if you yourself leaned sideways as far as you can without falling down. Any suggestions about putting a logging chain around the tree about 3 to 4 feet up on the trunk to avoid splitting out. Any suggestions on making the notch on the leaning side. Don't plan on making a deep notch on the leaning side for fear the pressure of leaning weight of the tree may be a big factor. On the opposite side of the notch, I planned on making a downward angle cut starting above the leaning side notch to avoid kickout. How far to start the cut opposite the notch on the leaning side? I have a feeling once that tree starts cracking, it won't take her long before it's on the ground..Yes, I have already planned my escape route several times.