This plugin adds one command, /swl, that lets you toggle vertical/normal placement of logs. 1.3 added the ability to place logs sideways, but it is very difficult to place logs vertically now since you need to be almost completely above the log when placing it. Now just type /swl and all of your logs will be placed vertically. Type it again to revert to standard log placement.
Thanks to everyone in this thread, especially nisovin, for helping me out.