Crossword Genius

Trees held out, protected from the elements (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sheltered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'protected from the elements' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'trees held out' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates anagramming the letters (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'trees'+'held'='treesheld'
'treesheld' anagrammed gives 'SHELTERED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sheltered that I've seen before include "Safely tucked away" , "Out of the wind" , "Secluded" , "Took cover; protected" , "Hidden" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.