The services that ground maintenance companies provide can be found in almost every type of sector because all types of organizations require well-kept outdoor areas. Commercial clients represent a large portion of the ground maintenance customer base. This includes office park developers, retail center managers, and owners or managers of industrial estate sites. All of these have a vested interest in having their properties look their best as well as being safe. In addition to the commercial sector there is the public sector which represents another significant customer base. Municipalities (local government) often contract with companies providing ground maintenance service for many different types of properties such as city and county parks, highway right-of-way (verges), cemeteries, and other recreational areas. Another important customer base is education; schools, colleges, and universities need to keep their athletic field grass, school courtyard areas, and university campus grounds in good condition on an ongoing basis. Healthcare institutions (hospitals, nursing home, etc.) use well maintained grounds to help improve the health and wellness of patients. Homeowners living in residential subdivisions, homeowner association communities, and private estate communities hire professional companies to maintain the grounds around their homes in order to enhance the value of their real estate and increase tenant satisfaction.