Which method is NOT part of Level 1 assessment?

A Level 1 assessment typically involves rapid evaluations of trees and their general condition using non-intrusive methods. The primary goal is to get a broad overview of the tree's health and safety without detailed inspection.

Drive-by and aerial patrol methods fit this description well, as they allow for quick assessments from a distance, which helps in identifying obvious problems such as significant dieback or tree decline. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is another advanced technology that enables the measurement of vegetation layouts and can detect anomalies at a broader scale without direct contact.

However, visual inspection is a more detailed and focused method that involves inspecting trees more closely to identify signs of problems that might not be detectable from a distance. This method typically goes beyond the rapid assessments characteristic of a Level 1 evaluation, as it requires a closer examination of the tree's structure and health indicators.

Thus, while visual inspection has its place in tree assessments, it does not align with the Level 1 assessment methods, making it the correct choice for this question.