The limbs on a cedar tree grow from the ground all the way up. The lower branches don't die off as the tree gets mature. As deer and whatever get up against them these dead limbs break off. The length depends on the break point. Some can be long and will bend. Others break off shorter and are like sharpened spikes. When I fell I grabbed for a tree and it went in my hand. Then as I fell ripped it open. That's why the flap that had to be stitched back on three sides.