Son tries topiary tool (6)

I believe the answer is:

shears

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'topiary tool' is the definition.
'shears' can be an answer for 'tool' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'topiary' bit.

'son tries' is the wordplay.
'son' becomes 's'.
'tries' becomes 'hears' ('hear' can be a synonym of 'try').
's'+'hears'='SHEARS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shears that I've seen before include "Large scissors for clipping sheep" , "Cuts the fleece of sheep" , "Cutting instrument" , "Garden cutters" , "something for lifting loads" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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