He hugs tree — time for protection on top (6)
I believe the answer is:
helmet
'protection on top' is the definition.
'helmet' can be an answer for 'protection' (helmet is a kind of protection). I'm unsure of the 'on top' bit.
'he hugs tree time' is the wordplay.
'hugs' indicates putting letters inside.
'tree' becomes 'elm' (elm tree is a kind of tree).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'he' enclosing 'elm' is 'helme'.
'helme'+'t'='HELMET'
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for helmet that I've seen before include "Protective covering for head of motor-cyclist" , "Hard hat" , "personal protection" , "Safety hat" , "Protective casing for the head" .)