10 ways to safeguard your property and critters from the ravages of Old Man Winter, part two of three

In last week’s first installment of the Pathfinder’s “winterizing” column, we shared pro-tips from locals for protecting homes, hearths and energy bills in the Seeley-Swan.

Now, let’s venture to the place many Montanans care about most — outdoors — and discuss ways to winterize lawns, plants, chicken coops, livestock and more. Because as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Guard your gutters. When snowmelt can’t drain through your gutters, it turns to ice dams, which will wreak havoc on your roof (which you’ll also want to have inspected, to ensure it’s ready to withs...