Found survey stakes while clearing

[Nick.3d]

In a bit of a panic for a friend of mine, he'd been clearing some overgrown areas on my property to improve access and maybe timber some marketable trees for the past two weeks, already dropped and bucked about a few trees. 2 days ago he found what looks like survey stakes in an area he cleared earlier this week. Orange plastic tape tied to metal pins, now we're worried he might have accidentally cut trees on my neighbor's property instead of mine. The property line in this area runs through heavy woods and he thought he knew where it was based on landmarks and old fence remnants, but he never had it professionally surveyed.
He and his neighbor aren't exactly friendly and if he did cut on their land, even accidentally, I'm worried this could turn into a major legal problem, should he contact a surveyor immediately to figure out exactly where the line is? should he talk to a lawyer first? I dont know if it would help if I offered to pay for any trees that were on their side?

 

[HanK]

I feel there's no need in contacting the neighbor until you know for sure what happened. If your friend did cross the line, timber trespass laws allow for triple damages in most states but I feel like you guys should Talk to a lawyer before approaching the neighbor if the survey can confirm that he indeed cut on their property

 

[What]

Get it surveyed.

 

[Alan]

I agree with @What, a professional survey is the first step so you know exactly where things stand before doing anything else. Once you have that clarity, you can decide whether it even needs to go further or involve anyone else.