Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) in Southampton. A TPO gives legal protection against a tree being cut down, topped, lopped, uprooted, willfully damaged or willfully destroyed. It is an offence to cut down any part of a tree including the roots which is the subject of a TPO without first obtaining consent from the Local Planning Authority. The information within these map layers is indicative only. If you are intending to carry out any works to trees then you should contact the trees team first on 023 8083 3005 or email trees@southampton.gov.uk to confirm the protection status of the tree/s, if you do not then you risk prosecution if the tree is protected.