Will a hedge trimmer be able to cut the ends of tree branches?

[PersonalClown]

At the back of my garden are 3 trees (don't ask me what sort, they have branches, green leaves and are taller than me!)
They are now starting to grow right over the fence and are getting in the way of my ds and his swinging.
Would a normal hedge trimmer be able to cope with the ends of the branches? Or should I think about something more powerful?
The branches are about 1cm-1 1/2cms in thickness.

may be ok i cut our quite twiggy hedge with some yesterday. otherwise you'll have to get out the secateurs. bear in mind that hedge trimmers are very heavy too to get higher than shoulder height.