I'd say it depends on if they're sound or if they're starting to rot. I believe the ideal is winter cut trees that were debarked in the spring and then left to dry for a year or two before use.
Definitely not in my climate. Even if they started out strong, here, no trees other than maybe black locust that would last more than a few years underground because of rot and termites.
Nothing ruins a neighborhood like paved roads and water lines.
In the case the trees are strong enough for your purpose and large enough to be a challenge to cut down, I'd see about using the timber tool Stephen talks about in this video. It directs the tree to fall where you want it to. In his video, Stephen gives good info on how to use it.
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