A hitch mounted tree carrier is configured to be secured to a motor vehicle and permits a user to transport a tree from a first location to a second location. The hitch mounted tree carrier includes an elongated member configured to be removably received by a motor vehicle hitch and a receptacle having a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is affixed to the elongated member. The hitch mounted tree carrier also includes: (i) a wedge positioned in the receptacle and configured to apply a first force on a first extent of a tree trunk, when the tree is in the process of being inserted into the receptacle, and (ii) a securement assembly extending into the receptacle and configured to apply a second force on a second extent of the tree trunk, when the tree is in an engaged state.