Crossword Genius

Start doing something new as a tree? (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

branch out

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'start' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for branch out that I've seen before include "Expand" , "Take up new things" , "diversify" , "Extend activities in new direction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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