It's a familiar feeling for plenty of Greenville homeowners. The wind starts picking up, the trees begin swaying, and suddenly you're looking out the window at that big oak tree a little differently.

You know the one. It's been there for years, providing shade in the summer and dropping more leaves than you'd care to rake in the fall. But lately, you've started wondering what would happen if one of those enormous branches came down.

It's a reasonable concern, especially as we head into the colder months.

While Greenville doesn't typically experience harsh winters, we get our share of strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional ice storms. And when a tree already has structural problems, winter weather can make those problems worse.

Fortunately, there are often clues that something isn't quite right. Here are seven worth knowing about.

1. The Tree Is Leaning More Than It Used To

First things first: a leaning tree isn't necessarily a dangerous tree.

Some trees have been growing at an angle for decades. They might have leaned toward sunlight when they were younger or developed an unusual shape over time.

What you really want to watch for is a change.

If a tree that used to stand straight has started leaning, or an existing lean seems noticeably worse, it's worth investigating.

Sometimes the problem is underground. Damaged roots or shifting soil can affect how securely a tree is anchored.

Take a look around the base. Is the soil lifting on one side? Are there new cracks in the ground? Does the trunk seem to have moved?

If the answer is yes, especially if the tree is leaning toward your home, have it evaluated promptly.

2. Large Branches Are Dead or Broken

Here's something that catches homeowners off guard: a tree can look perfectly healthy overall while still having a few dangerous branches.

A large dead limb might hang in the canopy for months without causing trouble. Then a windy afternoon comes along, and suddenly that limb is on the ground.

Winter can make these problems easier to spot.

Without leaves covering everything, you can get a better look at the tree's structure. Watch for broken limbs, hanging branches, and sections of wood that appear badly decayed.

Just remember that a leafless branch isn't necessarily dead. Many healthy trees lose their leaves every fall.

If you spot a large damaged branch hanging over your roof, driveway, or another frequently used area, don't try to bring it down yourself. That's a job for professionals with the proper equipment.

If a storm has already damaged a tree near your home, it's worth knowing when to call for emergency tree removal in Greenville rather than waiting for the next round of bad weather.

3. There Are Deep Cracks in the Trunk

Trees develop all sorts of interesting textures as they age. Rough bark, shallow splits, and unusual shapes aren't always signs of trouble.

But a deep crack extending into the trunk is another story.

These cracks can sometimes indicate that a tree is under structural stress, particularly when they develop where two large trunks or branches meet.

Pay attention to cracks that appear to be widening or sections of wood that seem to be separating.

A tree doesn't necessarily need to come down because of a crack, but it's not something you want to ignore either.

4. Mushrooms Are Growing on the Trunk or Roots

Most of us have seen mushrooms pop up in the yard after a rainy stretch.

Usually, they're nothing to worry about.

Mushrooms growing directly from a tree's trunk or roots, however, deserve a closer look.

Some fungi feed on decaying wood. If that decay is happening inside the trunk or root system, it could eventually affect the tree's strength.

That doesn't mean every tree with mushrooms needs to be removed. The type of fungus, the amount of decay, and where it's located all matter.

Still, it's worth having someone knowledgeable take a look rather than guessing.

5. Something Looks Different Around the Roots

When you're checking a tree for problems, don't forget to look down.

The roots do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping a tree upright.

Unfortunately, they're also easy to overlook.

Maybe you've recently had work done on your driveway. Perhaps someone dug a trench through the yard. Or maybe heavy equipment has been driving over the ground around a mature tree.

These activities can damage roots, even when the tree looks fine aboveground.

Watch for exposed or broken roots, raised soil, or cracks developing around the base of the trunk.

If a tree suddenly begins leaning and you notice the ground lifting around its roots, keep your distance and contact a tree care professional.

6. Branches Are Getting Too Close to Your House

Having a beautiful shade tree near your home is one of the perks of living in an established Greenville neighborhood.

But trees don't stop growing just because we've built a house next to them.

Over time, branches can extend over roofs, rub against siding, or hang uncomfortably close to windows.

Now, an overhanging branch isn't automatically dangerous. Plenty of healthy trees grow over homes without causing problems.

What matters is the condition of the branch, how it's attached to the tree, and whether it's interfering with your property.

Sometimes a little thoughtful tree pruning and maintenance is all that's needed.

Other situations are more complicated.

The important thing is not to assume that a tree needs to be removed simply because its branches are close to the house.

7. The Tree Has Been Looking Unhealthy for a While

Sometimes there isn't one obvious warning sign. It's more of a feeling that the tree hasn't looked quite right lately.

Maybe it had fewer leaves than usual last summer.

Maybe several branches died off.

Or perhaps one side of the canopy looks noticeably thinner than the other.

Trees can struggle for all sorts of reasons, from drought and root damage to insects and disease.

And just like people, trees don't always recover from problems at the same pace.

A tree that's been declining for several seasons deserves a closer look, particularly if it's large and located near your home.

Does a Tree With Warning Signs Always Need to Be Removed?

Not at all.

In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions about tree care is that a tree with problems automatically needs to come down.

Sometimes removing a few damaged branches solves the issue. Other times, the tree may simply need to be monitored.

Of course, there are situations where professional tree removal is the safest option.

The trick is knowing the difference.

If you're trying to figure out whether your tree has reached that point, our article on how to know when a tree should be removed offers some additional guidance.

That's why it's worth getting a professional opinion before making a decision about a mature tree. Once it's gone, there's no putting it back.