Cryptic crossword clue
Protected chap had to bring in trees 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HARBOURED

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
H
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Protected" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case protected = harboured.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does HARBOURED mean?

HARBOURED verb
  1. To provide a harbor or safe place for.
  2. To take refuge or shelter in a protected expanse of water.
  3. To drive (a hunted stag) to covert.
  4. To hold or persistently entertain in one's thoughts or mind.

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