Normally when I have to fell a tree and need to add some directional assistance, what I do if there is a suitable anchoring structure to use is:
Tie off on the tree with one end of the rope using multiple wraps of the cord and fasten the cord to itself with a bowline hitch, generally slipped. This really depends on so much,i.e., there is only straight trunk, a branch crotch available, able to get to the tie off location, etc.
Then I will find the mid-point of the cord between the tree and the anchoring structure (can certainly be another tree) and tie a mid-line loop. I tie a Butterfly loop and I leave it loose. Then I will take the free end and go around the anchor and thread the rope into the loop and take up the slack, pulling approx. 90 degrees to the tensioned line.
This affair gives you a slight mechanical advantage but more importantly, to me, it lets me or the help pull the rope in a safer direction than the the tree will lean and fall towards. It has always worked, except when the wind and tree weight are too much.
But then some more common sense is needed for such tasks.
As for a tow rope. I opt for a sling out of overly suitable material. Webbing is wonderful and strong stuff, but rope works as well, sized accordingly.
Me, I use a Zeppelin bend for a rope sling that I re-tuck the working ends back into the center of.
For the tape sling I have only used the "Beer knot" because the tape was tubular in design. < This is still tied, guess why.
If the towing is going to be lengthy and jerky and you have accessibility to suitable anchor points I would opt for a simple cow hitch (using the sling) if possible. Just depends on where you will tie in.