 By 09 : 00 , hundreds of people had arrived to observe the tree 's toppling . At 10 : 00 , the final cutting commenced . Criss decided to topple the tree downhill onto a ledge , which narrowed between the two ravines that emptied into Trace Fork . While it was assessed that the shelf was not long enough for the tree to land on , it was agreed upon by all the participants that given the rotten nature of the tree 's top section , it would fracture notwithstanding the orientation of its fall . Prior to Criss cutting further into the tree , he assured the crews : " I can put her anywhere you want her gentlemen . Lay a $ 10 bill anywhere you like and I 'll guarantee the trunk will cover it . " 
