The branch denuded, stops (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leaves off

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'stops' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Another definition for leaves off that I've seen is " Desists; what happens now to 1ac trees?".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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