Crossword Genius

Fly? After initial clearance, leaves from here perhaps (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ash

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This could be a double definition.

'fly?' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'initial clearance leaves from here perhaps' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'after' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ash that I've seen before include "Variety of tree" , "... for this maybe" , "Tree with pale wood" , "Tree - effect of burning" , "Tree in danger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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