Man upset after chopping a tree (3)

I believe the answer is:

elm

'tree' is the definition.
(elm is a kind of tree)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for elm that I've seen before include "Timber tree" , "I branch out" , "Perennial plant" , "Deciduous tree with rough serrated leaves" , "Tree for a Cockney tiller" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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