Denver Residents Brace for Hard Freeze, Protect Plants and Sprinklers

Experts offer tips to safeguard gardens, trees, and irrigation systems ahead of expected overnight lows in the 20s.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a heavy snowstorm sweeping across the Denver skyline, with the city's buildings and structures dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the weather event.As Denver braces for an unexpected spring freeze, the city's residents brace for the raw power of nature to disrupt their urban landscape.Denver Today

A spring freeze is headed to Denver, with temperatures expected to plummet on Friday night to a low of 28 degrees. The cold snap could damage plants, trees, and sprinkler systems across the city. Horticulture experts advise residents to quickly move potted plants indoors, cover sensitive vegetation, and insulate above-ground sprinkler pipes to prevent freeze damage.

Why it matters

Denver's unpredictable spring weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, can pose serious risks to the city's gardens, landscaping, and irrigation infrastructure. Preparing for sudden freezes is crucial to protecting the investments homeowners and the city have made in their green spaces.

The details

Perennial plants and native species are likely to withstand the freeze, but vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees are more vulnerable. Residents should consider digging up tender plants, bringing them indoors, and covering exposed greenery with sheets, buckets, or extra mulch. Sprinkler systems with above-ground pipes should be insulated to prevent bursting, while larger municipal irrigation networks have already been drained to avoid damage.

  • A hard freeze is expected in Denver on Friday night, April 18, 2026, with temperatures dropping to 28 degrees.
  • Temperatures are also forecast to remain near freezing on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Karim Gharbi

Horticulture specialist for Colorado State University Extension.

Mike Hepp

Owner of Mile-Hi Sprinkler, a local irrigation company with nearly four decades of experience.

Stephanie Figueroa

Spokesperson for the Denver Parks and Recreation department.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My first recommendation would be to dig them up. They probably haven't even rooted yet, so that it won't be that bothered by it.”

— Karim Gharbi, Horticulture specialist

“If you do that, then you will be protected and you should not have any problems with your system.”

— Mike Hepp, Owner, Mile-Hi Sprinkler

“Anything 2 inches and smaller is 'dropped.' Meaning we drain all the water out of any part of the irrigation system above ground like a backflow. We don't blow anything out this time of year, but we do drain things that are susceptible to damage.”

— Stephanie Figueroa, Spokesperson, Denver Parks and Recreation

What’s next

Denver residents should monitor weather forecasts closely and be prepared to take action to protect their plants and sprinkler systems as the hard freeze approaches on Friday.

The takeaway

This late-season freeze highlights the unpredictability of Denver's spring weather patterns and the importance of preparing for sudden temperature drops to safeguard the city's gardens, landscaping, and irrigation infrastructure.