Phlorum brings insurance-backed reassurance to bamboo treatment

Published on 01-06-2026 by Dr Paul Beckett

Phlorum’s Stefan Cannon writes this article on the new Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) for bamboo and other invasive weeds that is now available to Phlorum clients.

For over 10 years, Phlorum has offered IBGs for our Japanese knotweed management services. This has reassured our clients and smoothed property transactions across the country. We are now delighted to also offer an IBG for our bamboo and other invasive plant management services.

We are often contacted by concerned homeowners and buyers wanting reassurance that bamboo risks are effectively managed and are covered by long-term, reliable guarantees. We can now offer this by way of an Insurance Backed Guarantee from London Belgravia Brokers Ltd (LBB).

What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee?

An Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) provides the insured with additional reassurance beyond a contractor’s own written guarantee. In practical terms, this means that if the original contractor ceases to trade or is unable to honour their guarantee, the policy can fund remedial works in accordance with the original scope and policy terms. IBGs are increasingly viewed as an important layer of protection for property owners.

Why bamboo remediation needs long-term protection

Bamboo may be admired for its appearance and fast growth, but when running bamboo species such as black bamboo and arrow bamboo become invasive and spread beyond their intended area, they can quickly become a significant property concern. Encroachment beneath fences, patios, driveways and neighbouring land can lead to costly remediation, property disputes and cause delays during property transactions.

Unlike many garden plants, running bamboo spreads through extensive underground rhizomes that can travel significant distances from the parent plant. Even where remediation works have been undertaken professionally, treatment and monitoring can extend over several seasons, depending on the chosen management approach.

As awareness of invasive bamboo-related property risks increases, buyers, solicitors and surveyors are paying closer attention to how bamboo is managed and what assurances are in place following treatment. Industry demand for insurance-backed protection has grown accordingly.

Cover from the start of remediation works

One of the key benefits of the LBB Invasive Plant IBG is that cover begins from the start of the remediation project, rather than only once works are completed and signed off.

This provides reassurance from day one, whether the bamboo management strategy involves bamboo herbicide treatment or bamboo excavation.

Designed specifically for invasive plant and bamboo works

The Invasive Plant IBG is applicable for commonly invasive bamboos, such as Phyllostachys and Pseudosasa.

Eligible works include invasive bamboo remediation undertaken by Phlorum, which typically involves long-term treatment and monitoring programmes, carried out to recognised industry standards and designed to meet seller, buyer and lender expectations.

Supporting confidence in property transactions

For homeowners and commercial property owners, professionally managed bamboo treatment supported by an Insurance Backed Guarantee can help demonstrate that the issue has been addressed responsibly and with long-term protection in place.

For conveyancers, lenders and surveyors, the availability of insurance-backed cover offers an additional level of confidence that remediation arrangements remain protected should circumstances change in the future. Growing market awareness means bamboo is increasingly being considered alongside other invasive plant risks during property transactions and due diligence processes.

A partnership delivering specialist protection

The invasive weed IBG offered by Phlorum was developed through a partnership between London Belgravia Brokers Ltd (LBB) and the Property Care Association (PCA). This solution combines specialist insurance expertise with the technical standards of firms that meet the stringent membership requirements of the leading professional body for the invasive weeds remediation industry.

The resultant IBG is designed to provide credibility, reassurance and long-term confidence for bamboo and other invasive weed treatment projects.

To find out more about how Phlorum can help remove your bamboo, or to discuss eligibility for the bamboo and invasive weed IBG, please contact us.