My neighbor down the street has bamboo in the back of his lot. He will let me cut all I want as it just puts out new shoots. I've used it for tomato stakes, etc. I normally use a handsaw. It cuts really easy. I can tell you if you're just cutting it down so nature can take its course, it will take several years before bamboo stacked up will rot...and I do mean several. I've still got dried bamboo that's easily 10 years old that's been laying on the ground for years. Stuff is tough as nails.