In many areas, North Arerican "Rat Snakes" don't live in trees. Just because Va. Black Rats live in wooded areas, doesn't mean that they live in trees. Yes, they can climb. But much of the time they are not in trees. There was a study done of Black Rat Snakes using raido tracking devices, that would argue against your point.

Many types of N.A. Rat Snakes are found in areas where trees are few and far between. I think you are making much to do about nothing.
Spatial Ecology of Black Rat Snakes on Remington Farms, Maryland, by George M. Durner and J. Edward

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