This weekend we decided it was time to take down one of the white pines that was teetering somewhat precariously in my backyard. It didn't help its cause that it was ruining the lawn and covering everything with sap, so before you go all self-righteous hippie on me, it was a total nuisance tree and we'll replace it with something nicer soon. I'd never cut down a tree, but the lure of purchasing a chainsaw was enough that we figured we could take care of it. My friend Tony had explained the fool proof way to get the tree to fall the way you wanted, and we were feeling good.…