- The tree's natural lean. Trees tend to grow and lean towards the sunlight, so they are more likely to fall in the direction that they are leaning.
- The weight distribution of the tree. If a tree has more branches on one side than the other, it is more likely to fall in the direction of the heavier branches.
- The wind direction. If the wind is blowing, it can push the tree in a certain direction.
- The slope of the ground. If the ground is sloping, the tree is more likely to fall downhill.
- The type of tree. Some types of trees, such as pines, are more likely to fall in a straight line, while others, such as oaks, are more likely to twist and turn as they fall.
In addition to these factors, lumberjacks also use their experience and intuition to determine which way a tree will fall. With years of practice, they can often predict the direction of a tree's fall with remarkable accuracy.
