Gutted well-liked tree (6)
I believe the answer is:
poplar
'tree' is the definition.
(poplar is a kind of tree)
'gutted well-liked' is the wordplay.
'gutted' means to remove the middle letters (to gut something is to remove its insides).
'well liked' becomes 'popular' (I've seen this before).
'popular' with its centre removed is 'POPLAR'.
(Other definitions for poplar that I've seen before include "Timber tree" , "The tree is almost liked" , "Tree of willow family" , "Slender tree with quivering leaves" , "Tall tree (which may tremble?)" .)