We hired that job done. $1000, but worth every penny for the peace of mind for a 120+ yo oak. They cut off the big limbs, lowered those down, until it was just the main trunk. Then they felled that and put it on the ground safely. Professional company, with insurance, in case it did fall on the house.
They told me that it would fall on some of my plants, and that couldn't be helped, but the plants were hostas, so they came back the next year, no problem. They cut the big pieces to wood stove length too, as part of the deal. Nice, because DH doesn't have a chain saw long enough to do that size.
They were very careful the whole time. I will use them again when I need a big tree that DH isn't comfortable felling.