Cared about tree (5)
I believe the answer is:
cedar
'tree' is the definition.
(cedar is a kind of tree)
'cared about' is the wordplay.
'about' is an anagram indicator.
'cared' is an anagram of 'CEDAR'.
(Other definitions for cedar that I've seen before include "Fragrant conifer" , "Raced around noble tree" , "Raced around a great hardwood tree" , "Tall coniferous tree" , "may have needles?" .)