NvimTree not closing split on nvim-tree.api.tree.close()

[N19htfox]

I'm trying to achieve the following functionality off of a single keybind <C-e> for my nvimtree.
When the keybind is pressed, I invoke a function that does the following:

If NvimTree window is focused:
    close it
otherwise:
    open it if not opened and focus it

I have the script written and mostly working with one problem. When I press my keybind with the NVimTree window focused to close it, it closes nvimtree but not the split. I've even tried:

require( 'nvim-tree.api' ).tree.close()

vim.api.nvim_win_close( tree_split )

vim.cmd( 'close' )

But nothing works. I'm always left with a split where the nvimtree was showing the next available buffer.
How can I ensure the split gets closed as well?

Then if I press :

But what I really want is:

Is there a proper way to do this or is it a bug?

[alex-courtis]

Initial thoughts:

<C-E> Open: In Place is a default binding in the nvim-tree window that could interfere. Please ensure you're unbinding it :help nvim-tree-mappings

That if statement can be tricky to evaluate. Idea:
nvim-tree specific mapping (override) to cover the if (see above)
global mapping to cover the else